Did Pochettino make the right personnel selections for Tottenham?
By Gary Pearson
Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t need validation
It wasn’t Mauricio Pochettino’s selections or game plan to blame for Spurs’ defeat. It was his side’s inability to execute that derailed their chances. You simply cannot legislate for conceding a penalty within a minute of kickoff. The incident completely changed the complexion of the final, allowing Liverpool to drop back, contain and frustrate a snakebitten Spurs side.
Of course Spurs had more than enough time to score and level the match, but Liverpool know how to defend with the lead. Tottenham bossed possession and outshot Jurgen Klopp’s side but had little luck around goal. Had Liverpool not opened the account via that infamous Mohamad Salah penalty, Kane might have enjoyed a bit more space to run behind Liverpool’s stingy rearguard. Sissoko’s hand ball completely negated that option.
Pochettino should have started Moura and could have pulled the trigger earlier, allowing the Brazilian and Llorente more time to impact proceedings, but who is anyone to question a manager, without spending a penny this season, who led his injury-riddled, outgunned side to the most prestigious match in club football?
Next. Tottenham getting closer to securing Lo Celso from Betis. dark
Certainly nobody judging from the press box, or watching from the comfort of their couch with a cold refreshing pint in hand.