Pochettino says Tottenham must learn from past FA Cup lessons
By Gary Pearson
Mauricio Pochettino says his side have to be clever enough to learn from past FA Cup lessons when they travel to Rochdale on Sunday for the fifth round contest.
Rochdale won’t have to face the Tottenham side who excelled in Europe midweek, as Pochettino has every intention of providing valuable minutes for those in need. Regardless of who the gaffer starts, they’ll be forced to deal with a substandard pitch.
You won’t hear any excuses from the Tottenham boss, though.
Unwilling to rest on his laurels, the gaffer said there is “still a lot of work to do” against Juventus in the home leg on March 7. He said a team of Juventus’ caliber can easily win away from home so it’s up to his side to stay on the front foot in the return leg.
Speaking about the task at hand, Pochettino admitted that it will be a massive challenge for his players to maintain the level at Rochdale on Sunday that saw them score two goals in Turin midweek.
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Rochdale are reeling at the bottom of League One, desperately trying to avoid relegation.
Tottenham endured their most trying match of the season at League Two Newport a couple of weeks back and Pochettino understands acutely the need for vigilance.
The gaffer is ecstatic with Rochdale’s recent effort to improve the condition of their much-maligned pitch. It was relaid and is now at least playable.
"“It was put in the best condition to play without risk. I have to congratulate Rochdale for this,” Pochettino said."
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Ryan Mason announced his retirement last week, citing relentless injury concerns as the principal reason for hanging up his boots early. Pochettino said there will always be a place at Tottenham in some capacity.
Second place in the Premier League is now within reach and Spurs can make their claim on the runners-up spot with strong performances in upcoming matches against Crystal Palace, Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Newcastle.