Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham will deserve trophies, not buy them

By Gary Pearson | Mar 16, 2018

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: A smiling Mauricio Pochettino manager / head coach of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Mauricio Pochettino says that Tottenham, when they win a trophy, will deserve it based on merit, not because it’s bought.

Dispelling further fear mongering about the necessity for Spurs to win trophies soon, Pochettino said that it’s not just about winning trophies but how you win them.

The gaffer believes it’s as important to build a strong squad like a family. When their time comes to win trophies the club and fans will be rewarded for their commitment to the cause. Simply put, they will deserve the accolades based on merit, not because they splashed out hundreds of millions of pounds to make it happen.

More from Match Previews

"“I think we deserve more,” he said. “We are working hard and trophies will arrive if we (continue) following this way.”“We are not a club that is going to buy trophies, we are going to deserve trophies.”"

He said his players feel proud and happy with their current status and are not feeling undo pressure about the perceived urgency to win a trophy.

When asked if he has the players to score a late winner in Kane’s absence, Pohcettino said you cannot compare any player to Harry Kane, he is one of the best strikers in the world.

The gaffer says Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min, Erik Lamela, Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura can all play the No. 9 role, but believes it’s more important for those he selects to fill the space efficiently and adapt to Spurs’ alternative solutions.

Carlos Carvalhal deserves a ton of praise for altering the mindset at Swansea, Pochettino said. The Swansea manager is one of the stories of the season. Since taking over in late December, Carvalhal has steered his side into safer waters. They were dead and buried at the turn of the new year but have since recovered exquisitely under Carvalhal’s leadership.

Next: Who starts for FA Cup quarterfinal?

Spurs haven’t lost in their last six against Swansea and have scored at least two goals in six straight visits to the Liberty Stadium. With a win in Wales, Tottenham will book a place in the FA Cup semifinal for the second year running, a match that will be played at their temporary home stadium.