Mauricio Pochettino’s Press Conference: Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino spoke with the media Friday afternoon and talked about numerous topics: Érik Lamela, Christian Eriksen, Aston Villa and of course a Premier League title challenge.
With Tottenham hosting Aston Villa on Sunday January, 8th, Mauricio Pochettino spoke to the assembled media early this afternoon to conduct his weekly press conference.
As usual, there’s a lot of big storylines to get through but one that continues to be a wait-and-see approach is Érik Lamela’s status.
The Argentine winger has not been able to play since October 25th, a fourth round tie in the League Cup against Liverpool.
Following that fixture, it’s been well over two months since Lamela was last healthy.
The 24-year-old’s hip continues to bother him. So much so, that Érik Lamela has returned to his former club AS Roma to find a solution to treat his injury.
“He has strong links in Rome, not only do we believe it’s important to change things a little in his mind, [but] he asked to finish his recovery there.” Mauricio Pochettino said (via Spurs’ official website).
“We believed it was right. We hope after that period he’ll be available to train with the team.”
“He’s frustrated he’s not involved and today it’s only him out of the group. He has a special link with a physio and doctor in Rome and thanks to Roma for opening the door to him.”
“Our staff are also out there with him. We hope in a few weeks maybe he’ll be available again.”
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Against Aston Villa, Érik Lamela won’t be needed. Christian Eriksen or Moussa Sissoko can fill in for the Argentinian — which they have and have done a good job.
More so for Eriksen who is in form and among the top assist leaders in the Premier League.
While Pochettino is expecting a tough challenge from Aston Villa, Eriksen’s form at the moment is more than enough to keep Spurs churning along while Lamela continues to rehab his hip.
“They [Aston Villa] struggled from the beginning of the season but now it’s Steve Bruce [in charge] and a team that can fight for promotion again.” Mauricio Pochettino said.
“It’s a long way to the end of the season but they have the possibility to push up the table. They are a good team with very good players, many players who played in the Premier League. It’s a big club and it will be a tough game.”
“The FA Cup doesn’t see if you are in the Premier League, Championship or League One, it’s a special competition and one game.”
As for Christian Eriksen’s role as a psuedo-wide player who has filled in for Érik Lamela lately, how has Mauricio Pochettino assessed the Danish midfielder’s recent run?
“He’s another player who has the potential to improve and we need to push him to get to another level. He’s a very talented player. I’m very happy with him.”
“In the last few months he’s improved a lot in his game and in his belief. We are pleased with how he’s improving this season.”
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Because Tottenham’s recent five-game stretch in the Premier League has seen them close the gap with league leaders Chelsea to seven points, and two away from second-place Liverpool, Spurs are in a good position to contend for the title.
It’s unfortunate then, that the FA Cup is starting now of all times. With momentum fully in the north London club’s hands to continue climbing up the table, a cup competition could be one way to halt Spurs’ progress.
Rotation is expected to happen, but how much or how little remains to be seen. According to Mauricio Pochettino it’s too early to decide today. Tomorrow, he and his staff will have a better idea of how to lineup against Aston Villa.
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Players obviously need to be rested, but when they’re in form, it’s only logical to keep playing them.
At the same time, Pochettino makes a good point in that cup competitions are a time to give players some valuable minutes who haven’t been able to play much up to this point.
It’s essentially a good problem to have and with plenty of depth, a backup starting XI on paper is quite strong and should be fine against a Championship-level side, to get Tottenham into the next round.
“It’s an important competition for us, the FA Cup” Pochettino explained.
“It’s true that maybe it’s a good opportunity for us after a very busy period to give a chance to players who haven’t played regularly, but we need to find the way to be competitive because we play a good team in Aston Villa and we want to go further in the competition.”
“We also need to assess the players after this period and try to take the decisions to help the players and help the team to achieve big things – one of those things is to try to win on Sunday and try to go to the next stage of the FA Cup.”
“Today, we don’t have a clear idea. Tomorrow, sure.” Mauricio Pochettino said about who will be named in his starting XI for Sunday.
“We need to measure the level of the players and to assess them properly not only physically but mentally as well. Some players need rest. Sure, we’ll make some changes.”
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And finally, when asked on his thoughts about Tottenham’s Premier League title hopes. Even after 20 matches, and past the halfway point of the 2016-17 season, Pochettino doesn’t see why Spurs can’t be in contention from now until the very end.
“We’re in a very good position, third after 20 games. We can’t say ‘no’ but we cannot say ‘yes’.” Mauricio Pochettino added.
“It’s a long way to the end of the season and if we show at the moment we can cope with that level and be competitive, I think ‘why not?’ I think we will be there to fight for the title, yes.”