Mauricio Pochettino treasures Wembley ‘gift’ than changed his view of England after the Falklands War
Born and raised in Argentina at the time of the Falklands War, Pochettino changed the way he viewed England from the moment he first visited Wembley Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has passionately defended Wembley Stadium claiming “it is the best place in the world to play football” and even went as far as suggesting the venue helped change his impression of the English.
The Argentine grew up during the Falklands conflict and did not hold particularly affectionate views of this country as a child.
But Pochettino revealed it was football and Wembley who helped change his opinion and dismissed suggestions made by Danny Rose that “it was no longer an honour” to play there.
Tottenham have been playing at Wembley while their new White Hart Lane stadium, delayed until early 2019, is being rebuilt and it was their manager who spoke openly about his love of the national stadium.
“I didn’t hear him or what he said,” said Pochettino. “I’m not going to create any agitation with him or any other player, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
“But If you ask me I’m so, so happy to play at Wembley. I was born in Argentina, when I heard England for the first time it was with the problems with the Falklands, it was very sad news. I was in Argentina in my home town.
“When I arrived to Europe and played a World Cup against England and when arrived at Southampton, I changed my mind completely in the way I see this country.
“It’s an honour to be here and a pleasure. I’ve discovered amazing people and an amazing country. We always compare Argentina with Spain and Italy but we have more in common with English people.
“We love football and you always hear about Wembley. When I played there it was a dream come true. I played at the old Wembley in 2000. Now playing every week or two having the possibility to play at Wembley is a gift.
“I enjoy every game. When I look over the bridge and I see Wembley on the North Circular I say thank you. Every game I play at Wembley is a gift.
“And if we play one game more we think how lucky we are. For me it is the best place in the world to play football. When we move it will be the joint-best place to play with the new stadium.
“It is a gift. I know our fans may be disappointed and players disappointed and I understand. But I take very positive Wembley, it is a gift I want to enjoy every time I’m there.”
Tottenham have injury and fatigue issues with Mousa Dembele, Erik Lamela, Davinson Sanchez, Victor Wanyama, Juan Foyth and Kieran Trippier all to miss Saturday’s trip to Leicester City.
Pochettino of course has thoughts about Barcelona in the Champions League on his mind on Tuesday but Tripper is set to miss that one too with a groin problem.
Many others could be rested for the King Power Stadium match as a result.
“I don’t believe he [Kieran] will be available for Barcelona,” he said. “He cannot cope with 90 minutes.
“It’s not easy, playing every three days is not easy, we need to try to find a fresh team to compete in the best way.
“The focus for us is to try and win the next three points. Barcelona does not exist.
“We will maybe rest players because they need rest not because we play Barcelona Tuesday.
“The decision we take will always try to provide the best thing for the player. We are thinking always to try and win the game.”
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