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Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino Wants a Strong Finish

By Alexander Balano

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur Mauricio Pochettino speaks to the media during a press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 3, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images).
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur Mauricio Pochettino speaks to the media during a press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 3, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images). /
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It’s obvious that Mauricio Pochettino wants Tottenham Hotspur to finish second, but in terms of finishing above their north London rivals, Arsenal, the Argentine manager believes it isn’t important if they can still secure Champions League football in the end.

For many supporters, finishing above Arsenal is a must, especially this season with the Gunners trailing Tottenham by three points but behind by 14 goals on goal difference. Placing above your fiercest rivals after a long and hard season is a great feeling in of itself and gives people bragging rights for a whole year.

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But for Mauricio Pochettino, his objectives for this season (in order) looked like this as the year progressed: a top four finish (main priority), the Premier League title (secondary objective) and finishing above Arsenal (not as important).

Spurs barely missed out on a top four finish last season by finishing in fifth place and sixth points adrift from the final Champions League spot. This year, Tottenham have jumped into the top four and are looking to secure another trip back to Europe’s elite club competition.

At the same time, with Pochettino’s team sitting in second place behind the newly crowned Premier League champions, Leicester City, Tottenham are ahead of Arsenal with two matches left and could potentially finish above for the first time in 15 years.

You would have to go back to the 1994-95 season when Spurs last finished above the Gunners. Since then, Arsenal have been ahead.

This year could see that streak end.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Speaking to reporters prior to Tottenham’s home finale match against Southampton, Mauricio Pochettino let it be known that it is important to end the season in second place. Something he’s been saying for a while now.

But if Spurs can still achieve Champions League even though Arsenal place higher, then that is still fine for the Argentine manager, even if supporters might scoff at the thought of once again being behind Arsenal.

“No, I don’t think about that,” Pochettino said (quotes from ESPN UK). “We have our own challenge but it is not our principle challenge to be above Arsenal. We want to play well and win trophies but this is not important for us.'”

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After a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, it wouldn’t be surprising if plenty of Tottenham players have lost a bit of motivation because their title run was ended.

Although Pochettino believes that won’t be the case and Southampton should expect a Spurs squad to finish strong.

“I think we have the same motivation to play the next game. We want to keep second place in the table,” Mauricio Pochettino continued. “Nothing changes for us. To finish in the top four is fantastic, this is our challenge and our goal from the start of the season.”

“Last season I said our objective was to reduce the gap with the top four. We are in the top four.”

“Maybe we feel disappointed because we had the opportunity to win the Premier League but we need to feel proud and next season we need to fight for the same goals.”

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Again, Champions League football was the main objective this season. It was the goal last year too. It’s been the same mentality since forever — perhaps when the Club first tasted Europe’s elite competition.

As long as Tottenham can secure one of the three automatic spots, there shouldn’t be any complaints. Finishing below Arsenal will sting a bit, just like losing the Premier League title by seven points, but overall there has been more highs than lows in Mauricio Pochettino’s second season as manager.

And for that, every supporter should be proud regardless.