Pochettino Downplays Barca Links

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino could neither deny nor confirm speculations that he might move on to FC Barcelona. He merely described the transfer rumour as “part of the business”.

Pochettino whose coaching career began with Barcelona’s city rivals, Espanyol before moving to England to impressively handle Southampton and Spurs, has been one of the coaches tipped to succeed Luis Enrique who announced his imminent departure at the of the season.

Speaking at Friday’s media conference ahead of Sunday’s game with Everton, the former Argentina defender said: “I saw it’s a big list, 100 names.  “Like I always told you it’s a business I know very well.

“I was born with a ball in my arms and I understand very well the business. I don’t take it as flattering.

“For me Tottenham is one of the biggest clubs. We play very good football, (have an) exciting team and very good players.

“It’s normal we catch the attention of other clubs and football people. We are part of that business and our names always appear on the lists.”
Spurs’ striker Harry Kane, the scorer of hat-tricks in two of their last three games, will be assessed after colliding with a post against Stoke but Pochettino insists he will take no risks with the England international against Ronald Koeman’s men.

He added: “The first moment he said it was good. When after a few minutes he tried, I asked. In that moment we made two changes. He said I am okay.
“But at the end of the game when it got cold, it appeared more painful.
“But I trust that he can play Sunday. If not, if he is a risk, he will not be in the squad.”
Toby Alderweireld is a doubt due to a thigh problem but his central defensive partner Jan Vertonghen is expected to be fit. Erik Lamela and Danny Rose remain sidelined.