Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino jokes he was England’s biggest fan watching Harry Kane and Harry Winks

‘I was hating watching the game thinking “We need to win, we need to win”, putting on my England shirt!’

Jonathan Veal
Friday 18 October 2019 07:11 EDT
Comments
Gareth Southgate reacts to England win over Bulgaria

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was England‘s chief fan on Monday, joking he donned the Three Lions shirt in support of his players.

Although the 6-1 victory for Gareth Southgate‘s men was just a footnote on a shameful night in Sofia, where the match was twice halted due to sickening racist abuse from Bulgaria fans, Pochettino was pleased Harry Kane and Harry Winks were able to enjoy the winning feeling again.

Having gone into the international break on the back of a 7-2 humiliation by Bayern Munich and a 3-0 loss at Brighton, their mood would have been worsened after a 2-1 defeat in the Czech Republic last Friday.

But Kane, with his three assists and a goal, and Winks, handed a start in midfield, regained a positive feeling, much to the delight of Pochettino.

“After the disappointment on Friday, it was good for England, Southgate, the coaching staff and of course the players to feel that confidence,” he said.

“It was fantastic for them to finish with a great result and to build their confidence. Of course, it was a tough game after Czech Republic and people were down. For our players, it continues the negative dynamic.

“I was hating watching the game thinking, ‘We need to win, we need to win’, putting on my England shirt! After Friday, it was tough but then Monday was better.

“The best medicine is to score, assist, feel the victory and for sure that is going to help our team.”

Spurs will be expected to regain their own positive dynamic when they host winless Watford on Saturday.

Harry Kane gives England the lead
Harry Kane gives England the lead (EPA)

After a string of poor performances, littered with individual mistakes, Pochettino wants to ensure his side do not end up beating themselves.

“It’s going to be tough. We will fight against us, play against us. We are our own worst enemy,” he said.

“Then after the opponent. I am so happy, the players react in a very good mood. We have talked a lot, individuals and collective.

“I was talking with the staff in a very honest conversation as always in these situations, trying to find the best way.

“In the end our interest is Tottenham. Our objective is to put Tottenham in the place that Tottenham deserve to be.”

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in