Mauricio Pochettino has praised Harry Kane for being disappointed after the World Cup.
Kane captained England to a surprise semi-final appearance and left Russia with the Golden Boot, scoring six goals.
The Spurs skipper returned to his club for training on Monday along with the club’s other World Cup semi-finalists from England and Belgium, and Hugo Lloris, who won the competition with France.
And Pochettino has revealed Kane voiced his disappointment with the Three Lions’ summer campaign.
“He’s very disappointed about his World Cup,” said Pochettino (via ESPN). “He arrived back in London [from Russia] on the Sunday, and on the Tuesday he was at the training ground, spending five hours with myself and Jesus [Perez].
“I congratulated him and he said ‘no gaffer I am really disappointed, I should have scored more goals.’ I said ‘but you won the Golden Boot.’ He said ‘yes, but gaffer I’m disappointed.’
“Being fourth and reaching the semifinals was not enough [for him]. I love, love, love this energy and desire – that it’s not enough to be fourth in the World Cup, it’s not enough to finish second or third or play in the Champions League.
“I love it when a player feels that desire and wants to come in and spend time with us after the World Cup. All the people praise him and he’s a big star, but Tuesday he was there sharing time with us. That is so very Harry.”
Both Kane and Pochettino signed new long-term contracts with Tottenham earlier in the summer following another impressive season.
Spurs finished in the top three for a third successive year in 2017/18, while Kane reached 30 Premier League goals for the first time.
The club is yet to make a signing this summer, although Jack Grealish is expected to arrive before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele continue to be linked with the exit door. Both players returned to club training with Kane on Monday.
Tottenham’s Premier League campaign gets underway at Newcastle United on Saturday.
