Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino Happy with Performance Despite Draw
Mauricio Pochettino gives his thoughts on Tottenham’s draw against Everton to begin their 2016-17 season.
Once the final whistle blew at Goodison Park, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino felt relieved and disappointed at the same time.
Getting a draw after a difficult first half was unexpected, though it was a bit disappointing that Spurs couldn’t sneak away with a win after turning things around in the second half.
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For one reason or another, Tottenham look disjointed in the first half.
It’s difficult to explain other than the players not looking sharp. Perhaps it had something to do with a majority of Pochettino’s starting XI participating in the European Championsihp and having a late start on Spurs’ pre-season training?
If this was the case, then it’s very possible that Tottenham needed at least 45 minutes to shake the rust off of them. And thankfully they did, as a point away on the road is always a good result than losing the opening game of the season.
And indeed, that’s what Mauricio Pochettino was thinking.
The first game of the season is very difficult and to get a draw isn’t bad. The performance in the second half is more reflective of what this team can do than what the first half showed.
“I think that the first game of the season always it is difficult,” Pochettino said (via Spurs TV).
“On Everton’s free-kick, they scored and it was difficult to react. But I think in the second half we played much better and deserved the draw.”
“We had some chances to win the game, but [we were] unlucky.”
“I think happy with the performance, and then now we need to follow [up on this].”
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What could have been a disaster for Tottenham, with Hugo Lloris going down with an injury, saw Michel Vorm, Érik Lamela and Vincent Janssen save Spurs from losing.
Although Pochettino didn’t say much about Lloris’ injury, he did confirm that it was his hamstring and that they’ll continue to assess him.
“We need to assess tomorrow how is his injury and we’ll see what happened.”
“But now, it’s impossible to say. Yes, it’s his hamstring.”
Speaking of Vincent Janssen, Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with the Dutchman’s performances and how he compliments Harry Kane well.
“Yes, very well. I think that he [Janssen] is complimentary with Harry [Kane],” Pochettino added.
“They both play very well and I think Vincent is a different type of striker, and almost perfect.”
“It was very good. I think very happy for his performance and he was nearly able to score.”
“I think the Man of the Match was [Maarten] Stekelenburg and we speak a little about the last 45 minutes”
While everyone wants to win the first game of the season to set themselves up for a good run all the way through May, it is a long and difficult road.
Mauricio Pochettino knows that this is just one game out of 38 league fixtures and although the first half didn’t go according to plan. The second half did and it should bode well for how they will prepare against Crystal Palace at home next week.
Next: How Tottenham Drew: 1-1 at Everton
“Yes, we have a very long season,” Mauricio Pochettino continued.
“Today our expectations was to get the three points, [but] it was difficult.”
“The first half was difficult for different reasons. Because they [Everton] score early and then Hugo’s injury. The injury always is difficult — the impact.”
“But then the second half I think we fixed some things, then I think we play much better.”