Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Mauricio Pochettino’s Press Conference: Tottenham vs Swansea

By Alexander Balano

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 4: Tottenham Hotspur Manager Mauricio Pochettino during a press conference at the clubs' training ground on November 4, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 4: Tottenham Hotspur Manager Mauricio Pochettino during a press conference at the clubs' training ground on November 4, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Early this afternoon, Mauricio Pochettino conducted his press conference, going over the latest Tottenham news prior to their match against Swansea City.

As is customary during Mauricio Pochettino’s press conferences, fans look forward to hearing the latest news involving Tottenham’s injured players, to see who is fit to play or not.

Against a Swansea City side who currently sits in 19th place in the league table, Spurs should be considered favorites heading into the match. Even with three players still not fully recovered from their respective injuries.

Érik Lamela (hip) and Ben Davies (ankle) continue to be sidelined, while Toby Alderweireld has been training this entire week. Though, the Belgian international doesn’t feel 100 percent fit just yet. An evaluation will be done tomorrow to see if Alderweireld can play, but his status is questionable for the time being.

“Érik Lamela and Ben Davies are still out but Toby Alderweireld was involved during the week in the training sessions.” Pochettino said (via Spurs’ official site). “We are very happy with his evolution but it’s still a small thing that we are not sure about and we need to assess tomorrow if he can be available.”

“It’s the same problem – the injury he got against West Brom. His evolution is very good, now he’s been involved in training during the week but still he feels that it’s not 100 percent. But we’ll see tomorrow.”

More from Match Previews

With a week to prepare for the Swans after a disappointing loss at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea, a few topics were brought up. No surprise, it involved the team’s form and how their mindset is heading into this Saturday’s fixture.

There was also a question regarding the team’s stance once January rolls around. Would Spurs decide to sign a player this time around to help them make a late push for the title or a top four spot?

In terms of Tottenham’s mental state of mind, following a bad run of form, it appears that they’re doing good. This week of practice has been fantastic according to Pochettino. The players have responded well and want to turn things around. Moussa Sissoko included after not being selected in Spurs’ 18-man matchday squad the last two Premier League matches.

“I am happy with the week in training and the response of every player after Monaco and Chelsea. Today I can tell you that I am very happy, the answer of the players was fantastic, during the week they worked very hard, they showed that they want to change [the results] and for that reason I am very calm now.”

“His [Sissoko’s] answer was good this week.” Pochettino added. “I am happy with the answer from him, he is training very hard and then it’s up to me to decide if he will be involved or not like always.”

Next: Harry Kane Comments on New Tottenham Contract

Lastly, Tottenham have remained steadfast in not bringing players in during January as it is hard to get the player up to speed halfway through the season. Not only that, but it’s difficult to find a potential game changer who could help out.

Therefore, expect to see the same quiet approach once again.

“Like the last two seasons here, if we have the possibility to add some players that can bring things that we don’t have in the squad, we are always open to improving the squad but you know always in winter it’s difficult to find that profile and to bring in a player that can help us with our squad.”