Pochettino backs Liverpool to stay the course

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has played down the significance of Liverpool’s recent stumble.

Jurgen Klopp has seen his side overtaken at the top of the Premier League table by Manchester City.

However, speaking at a press conference on Friday, Pochettino insisted the Merseyside club would last the course in the title race.

Asked if he thought Liverpool were showing signs of nerves, he said: “No. Because the Premier League is so tough there are a lot of circumstances that can happen during the competition.

“Of course they are suffering a similar situation to us with some injuries.

“It’s not easy to keep at the same level and of course the period is going to be tough for everyone – for every single team that wants to win the trophy at the end.

“But for sure there is no doubt Liverpool are going to be there until the end and I hope that we are too.”

Tottenham are third – five points behind Liverpool and City – and are at home to Leicester City on Sunday.

“Leicester are a good team and it’s going to be tough. For us it’s key that we win that game,” Pochettino said.

“The Premier League is the most competitive league in the world and every week we can see how tough it is to win points.”