Tactical change key to Tottenham win – Pochettino

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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino believes his change of formation late in the game against APOEL Nicosia was vital in securing their Champions League win.

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in Cyprus but the hosts caused Spurs problems and Pochettino was unhappy with his team’s performance for a large part of the second half.

“I wasn’t happy so we decided to change the system to improve and play better,” Pochettino told reporters.

“We changed to a back four, we moved Kieran Trippier to the right and the decision was Serge Aurier out, and Fernando Llorente in front with Harry.

“Always you are trying to find solutions in the game for the team to play better. I think it was good in that moment to change because we scored two more goals.

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“But Aurier came off only because you need to pull out someone when you decide to change the system.

“The performance wasn’t fantastic but we showed we can compete in a very good way, on a very difficult pitch with a difficult atmosphere, and we gave our best.”

Pochettino was full of praise for England striker Kane, who has scored 11 goals in his last seven games for club and country.

“He has unbelievable skills in front of goal,” Pochettino said. “He has something special. That is why he is one of the best.”