London Football News

Pochettino expects Tottenham trio to stay

© Nick Potts/PA Wire

Boss Mauricio Pochettino will plan for Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose and Mousa Dembele still being at Tottenham beyond the end of the month.

All three players have been linked with moves away from Spurs this summer, but time is running out if they are to join a foreign club, with the transfer window shutting next Friday.

Pochettino, who has said any player can leave if they don’t show full commitment to the cause, added that all three will get a chance to win a place in the team.

He said: “I expect all the players… I am working as if all the players are going to be here.

“I cannot work if I think they will not be here. Not only these names, different names can get an offer.

“Maybe this afternoon arrives an offer we’ll consider.

“You’re focused on different names, I’m focused on providing them with an opportunity to play.

“It’s my fifth year as manager. For me, we start from zero and give an opportunity for all players to play and perform and not think about the past or what will happen in the future.

“What happened yesterday is gone. And you can only change your future if you’re in the best condition. The most important thing is to be ready.”

Alderweireld has enjoyed the biggest integration back into Pochettino’s plans after he played 90 minutes against Fulham last week.

The Belgian defender appeared to be frozen out by his manager at the end of last season after contract talks hit an impasse, while Alderweireld’s international team-mate Dembele has also stalled on a new deal, but has featured off the bench twice.

That leaves England left-back Rose, who has fallen behind Ben Davies in the pecking order and looks the most likely to still leave, with Paris St Germain thought to be keen.

Pochettino said of Rose: “Look, I don’t want to talk about individuals who still don’t play.

“Be sure they’re in the squad and will have the opportunity to play. My decision is my decision.

“Maybe he’ll play on Monday. Or maybe not. You need to wait and see what happens.

“We talk a lot and anything I tell them, I tell in private and explain what I expect.

“If they want to ask me questions about football, or on the personal side as a human being, we are so open to helping them.”




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