Mauricio Pochettino believes Rochdale’s pitch is unstuitable for Tottenham’s trip to Spotland in the next round of the FA Cup.
Some have compared the playing surface at Rochdale to a greyhound track.
Genuinely thought the Rochdale pitch tonight was a greyhound track. How is it still on? pic.twitter.com/3Z2ze7MWcD
— James Rhodes (@JamesRhodes01) February 6, 2018
“I think we are going to struggle – not only us but them (Rochdale) too,” Pochettino said in a press conference on Thursday. (Quotes via Ham&High.)
“I think the FA need to assess how the pitch is and then take a decision on if it’s good for the FA Cup, the players and the teams to play on this type of pitch in that condition.
“I don’t think it helps football. I don’t know why what happened happened on the pitch but it’s true that, through the picture, I think it’s not a pitch in a condition to play football.
“It’s about providing a safe place to play for the players. I think it’s a big risk to play on a pitch like this, if the picture gave us the accurate state.
“If it’s like I saw in the picture, I think you cannot play football. That is my point of view, but not because we are Tottenham. I think Rochdale cannot play football too there, and it’s a massive risk for their players too.
“Maybe the FA need to go in and try to take a very good decision for football
“I’m going to speak with the chairman today in the afternoon and, with the club, try to find a solution or to see what we can do.”
What do you think? Should the venue be changed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
play the game on a neutral venue, St. James Park or Stadium of Light, so Rochdale fans have less travelling.
@Richard Neville, you;re right, should be played at a neutral ground if Rochdale’s is not up to scratch
[…] The Spurs boss called on the FA to take action ahead of the trip to Spotland. You can read more about those quotes here. […]
Maybe in our new stadium, it’s the same condition now
[…] will travel to Spotland in the next round of the FA Cup, and Pochettino believes the FA should take action regarding the playing […]
Rochdale chairman is an ass defending that pitch. Looks like it’s more suitable for beach volleyball. FA should step in.