Pochettino Describes Targets He Wants to Sign at Tottenham
Tottenham are potentially still in the process of signing more players.
Tottenham have been quiet when it comes to signing players, but selling them is a different story.
With Alex Pritchard, DeAndre Yedlin and Nabil Bentaleb gone, Spurs have lost young and talented players who could have easily rotated this season in cup competitions.
Now Mauricio Pochettino heads into a difficult stretch starting in September with a bench that will also lose Clinton N’Jie if and when Georges-Kévin N’Koudou arrives.
It’s quite apparent that Spurs have more more holes than they originally had now that the season has started.
And come winter, this squad could look worse if anyone else is sold.
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Speaking to the media, Mauricio Pochettino was open about what his team needs.
Although it’s one thing to say who his targets are, or what qualities/traits he is looking for, it’s another thing to actually go out and sign someone.
With Wilfried Zaha no longer an option after Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish, blocked any moves for the 23-year-old winger, Pochettino said he is interested in players like Zaha.
“Yes, I would like a player like this,” the Argentine manager said (via the Independent).
“We have improved because now we have two strikers.”
“And now I think we need some players in the second line of offence to help the team compete better and have more quality in the squad.”
“Because, it will be a very tough season with us in the Champions League and very tough competitions.”
For a while now, Tottenham have lacked a player who gives them pace down the flanks after selling both Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend.
So it makes sense to sign a player like Wilfried Zaha, one who offers pace whether he is starting or coming off of the bench.
Though it’s proving tough to find the right player to fit into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
N’Koudou could be that player, assuming nothing has happened to a deal even though Olympique Marseille and Spurs agreed on a fee once again not too long ago.
If no one is brought in from now until the summer transfer window is closed, not only will this be a hindrance for Spurs, it could jeopardize a return to the Champions League at the end of next year and any chance to win some silverware this season.
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Perhaps Mauricio Pochettino and company feel the team is already improved with Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen.
He did mention that Spurs could sign up to one, two or three players. Or none at all.
Because Pochettino is the manager and knows what he’s doing, he should get some benefit of the doubt.
Though it is scary to think that no one else will be signed until at least the winter.
Right now, Tottenham are focused on the Premier and Champions League. But more so, for Europe’s elite club competition.
“We are very excited because it will be my first opportunity to play Champions League football as a manager, this will be exciting for me and for the players too,” Mauricio Pochettino said.
“For a lot of players it is their first time playing in the Champions League.”
“To play at Wembley is another exciting possibility.”
“To play in front of 90,000 people will be a great moment for us, a great moment for Tottenham and our supporters too.”
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A majority of Spurs’ squad have no Champions League experience, but despite that, Pochettino knows his team is ready.
“Of course,” Pochettino added.
“They are very excited and motivated to play Champions League and for the Premier League too.”
“They are very motivated to play for Tottenham, that is what is important.”