Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for his players when he faced the press after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at White Hart Lane yesterday.
The Spurs manager said he was “very pleased” with the way his side started the game, and praised the team for fighting back to earn a point. Pochettino was particularly pleased with Michel Vorm, who he called a “top man.”
On the transfer front, the Argentine noted the story linking Tottenham with a move for Wilfried Zaha was just a “rumour” at this stage, and the clubs have other targets in mind.
Poch also had some stern words concerning the international break, criticising the decision to have international fixtures so early in the season.
You can watch the full press conference below.
Michel Vorm had a very good game against Liverpool and should be praised for his performance. Jan Vertonghen, on the other hand, concerns me in that he does not seem to be able to defend set pieces in the box without ‘ handling ‘ his man. This type of defending is going to cost us a few matches if he does not change his ways. His old school tactics are no longer allowed and if he doesn’t change his methods he needs to be benched. His mental strength must come from his experience and the belief he has in himself to compete. Rules of football are changing and it seems one will no longer get away with holding on to a player.
true refs are becoming more strict about shirt pulling now, and vertonghen was very lucky not to have given away a penalty.
James i Appriciate your Point But Under the Rules of Football a Referee
Cannot award a Penalty or a Free Kick if the Ball is not in Play, and as this
Incident Occured Before the Corner Was Taken he was Right to Address the player in this Case Vertonghan and warn him About his Behaviour Having done so he will then Allow the Corner to be Taken Which is Exactly what the Referee did on this Occasion
Jan has not looked too good in any of the games so far, especially the 1st game where he was abysmal. However, it does not seem as though Wimmer is even an option. Anyone know what is going on with him? He seemed like he had earned his place but then pretty much hasn’t played since Jan returned from his injury last winter.
Shame that Matip felt it necessary to complete a full single twist to try and earn the pen.
Not mentioned by anyone else yet.
Sort of reminded me of ol’ Robert Huth, now of LCFC. The guy always twists in the box and nearly gets his shirt pulled off on many corners.
Morally, Vertonghen should have been penalised but technically probably not as the offence took place before the corner kick was taken and apparently you cannot been penalised when the ball is out of play. Alan Shearer’s comment on MOTD that the kick was taken before the ref blew and the penalty should have been given is irrelevant if it is when the offence takes place that matters. Matip should have been penalised for blocking Janssen with his arms, while Lamela’s trip looked identical to Bellerin’s against Leicester and that was not given. Sadly it looks like another season where refereeing inconsistency will have as much effect as the players on the outcomes. The supposed crackdown on manhandling is only likely to lead to more diving. The only solution is a referral system as in rugby union and cricket.