Conversation Corner: Tottenham Wins Third Game in a Row

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Mauricio Pochettino

Spurs TV: Okay with Mauricio here at Vicarage Road. Mauricio, lots to talk about. First things first, What about the win so late here at Watford?

Mauricio Pochettino: Yes I think it’s very emotional when you got the victory at the last minute. I think fantastic because in the first half we managed the game and the way that we concede the goal it was a little bit unlucky. But I think in the end we fully deserved the victory.

We played against a really tough tough side like Watford because a few weeks ago, Liverpool have a big problem and lose 3-0. And I think we managed the first half and unlucky how we concede a goal. But in the end, I think the late victory was fully deserved the win.

STV: We started with a different formation, what was your thinking behind that?

MP: No because when you analyze all the opponent and sometime how they create problem to the another teams, because Liverpool play in possession of the ball but Watford play is always to find a striker, a very strong striker and create problem. They don’t need to elaborate and to play too much from back, always long ball and they have a very strong — and we work, how we stopped that and how we managed the game. And I think it was fantastic in the way that we find the solution.

STV: How long did you have to work on that formation? Did you do it earlier in the week? You didn’t do it all yesterday?

MP: No no no no, it was yesterday. But out of the pitch, with a lot of video; different things and different meetings with different players. With the back four, with the line difference, with the ‘keeper, the offensive players, their fullback. No because if we cannot — we don’t have time to train on the pitch and you need to use different way and the cameras and the clips and the videos are very important.

STV: So just yesterday to work on this?

MP: Yesterday and more. Yes. Yes, yes yes yes [chuckles]

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STV: So that’s good that they did so well didn’t they?

MP: Yes. Because I think we have clever players and this is very important things. We need to give full credit to them because we have a very clever squad.

STV: There is nothing better in football than a late winner. What was it like on the bench? Was Toni jumping around going mad as always?

MP: [laughs] Yes it was fantastic to feel that. We had this experience against Newcastle, the latest defeat for us and now it’s on the opposite side. But during the whole season always it happens. The equilibrium and balance. But it’s true today that we deserved the victory and very pleased for all.

STV: And Sonny to come on and score the winner, very important for him?

MP: Very important for him and very important because we have a very strong squad. All our players are important and today we show again. That coming from the bench was a real impact and score the goal that was for us was important.

STV: Three wins in nine days in the Premier League is huge isn’t it?. Southampton, Norwich, Watford.

MP: Yes. I think it’s fantastic but we need to keep working hard. Maybe I repeat a lot, that, but it is very important for us. It is our philosophy and our lifestyle.

STV: Last one. Mousa, is he okay? What did he do?

MP: We don’t know. We need to assess tomorrow him. And we hope that it’s not big a issue.

STV: What was it? His leg?

MP: His groin. Yes, yes. He felt it in his groin, Some pain but we hope that it’s not a big issue for him.

And finally, the game-winning goalscorer, Son Heung-min. Whose backheel flick between Heurelho Gomes’ legs was simply a thing of beauty.

Next: Son Heung-min