LONDON • Mauricio Pochettino has claimed it is now "impossible to fight Manchester City and Liverpool" for the English Premier League title after Tottenham slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
He was already pessimistic about their "tough" chances in the lead-up and his mood was further darkened as his team failed to show they could "fight for big things" at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs did not muster a single shot on target for the first time in the league under Pochettino, while Chelsea netted from the only chance they had through Pedro and a farcical own goal from Kieran Trippier.
The Argentinian admitted his players now had to turn their focus to the top-four fight as "the competition (had) put us in our place".
He said: "It's a 10-month competition, not just three or four months. We are disappointed now.
"After Burnley, I said it was difficult, and tonight... only they (City and Liverpool) can win the league, we must fight to win games and to be fair."
However, the Spurs boss refused to panic despite his players suffering from jitters with their second successive loss in the league.
If they lose to Arsenal tomorrow, the 10-point gap they had over their north London rivals a week ago will be down to one.
Asked if he was concerned, Pochettino said: "I am not afraid. I have the same feeling as before. We need to enjoy playing football.
"Everyone from the beginning of the season would have signed up to be in that position before playing on Saturday... with the possibility of playing against Arsenal at Wembley with the gap at four points. The pressure is on them (the other top-four contenders), not only us.
"If people are scared now about the top four, that is football. It's a massive business for sure, but we need to enjoy it, playing football."
But while Pochettino attempted to put on a brave front in the face of his team's flagging form, Maurizio Sarri felt the victory could be the springboard for a positive end to what has been a turbulent season.
The Blues manager, who dropped his first-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after his insubordination in last weekend's League Cup final, said the result was "really very important because we are fighting for the top four".
The Italian added: "We hope this is the turning point. Maybe, with this result, we can involve Tottenham in this battle (for the Champions League positions). The gap is very large, seven points, but maybe.
"The problem (with Kepa) wasn't so big as you write. In this job, you are under pressure every day, or if you are lucky, every six weeks.
"Kepa made a big mistake and then paid (for it) with the club. In this match, he has to pay for the team. It was only a message for all the team. Now we stop the question, it is behind us and in the future, Kepa will be with us."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
Champions League: Liverpool ease past Bayern Munich 3-1 to reach last eight Sadio Mane scored twice to hand Liverpool a 3-1 victory at Bayern Munich with a dominant performance that sent them
Bayern vs Liverpool: Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk see Reds
Home snap Albirex's title-winning streak The long trophy streak has, at long last, been broken. After hoovering up all 11 trophies on offer in the previous three seasons, Albirex Niigata finally tasted defeat when Home United triumphed 5-4 on penalties to lift the Community Shield last night as the new Singapore Premier League (SPL) season
Derby boss Frank Lampard hits back at Leeds fans with Spygate
sportslifetale.com/soccer/derby-boss-frank-lampard-hits-back-at-leeds-fans-with-spygate-dig-after-play-off-triumph/
Following their first-leg win at Pride Park, Leeds fans mocked Lampard over the spying scandal with a chant to Oasis' 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' which sang: "All of the spies are hidden away, just try not to worry, you'll beat us some day. We beat you at home, we beat you away, stop crying Frank Lampard."
Albirex Niigata vs. Home United - Football Match Report
Chelsea draw 2-2 with Burnley, denting Champions League hopes Premier League football match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge in London on April 22, 2019. they were held to a
Chelsea held 2-2 by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes
Now we know hat division we are in lets do the annual see who we would keep. A few assumptions. 1) AL has no significiant funds. 2) Loanees like Daniel Iversen we are unlikely to be able to afford, and probably wouldnt re-sign for us, but the sign or release is based on performance not likelihood
Keep up Synonyms, Keep up Antonyms | Thesaurus.com
Football: Infantino says he has wide support for 48-team World Cup in Qatar Infantino speaking to journalists at the end of the Fifa executive football summit in Doha, Qatar. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Gianni Infantino says he has wide support for 48-team World
Thanks for watching ! SUBSCRIBE to receive more videos for free. Rockets aim to keep momentum HOUSTON - After the Houston Rockets easily downed the San Antonio Spurs, James Harden was asked about
Nuggets aim to keep momentum going in Game 5 vs. Trail Blazers
Premier League: Returning Mesut Ozil has Arsenal future says Unai Emery Description: Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has missed four recent games with a back problem but has started just once since November 11 -- and that was a Europa League dead rubber at home to Qarabag.
Football news - Mesut Ozil still has an Arsenal future, says
The program's progress under former head coach Dave Cecchini helped Fox see the potential of football at Valpo. "As a coach in the league, I kept my eyes open and my ears to the ground," Fox said. "I could tell football was a priority at Valpo and I liked what they were accomplishing.
Alan Shearer names the problem positions - football.london
The death in a plane crash of Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala was a cruel blow to family, friends and supporters in his home village in Argentina, and on Saturday they came, grieving, from
Crowds flock to Argentine village to pay tribute to
Liverpool's great hope is that Manchester City are not only playing Brighton - but themselves With the Premier League title on the line at the Amex on Sunday, is there room for another great
Fantasy Football: Manchester City and Liverpool - goal.com
'Monday night football' comes to the Emirates Stadium tonight as Arsenal , in search of their 10th successive league home win 2015 Arsenal Aston Villa 4-0. 2014 Arsenal Hull City 3 - 2 aet. C Palace 2 - 3 Arsenal - Match Report & Highlights Crystal Palace 2 - 3 Arsenal : Alexis Sanchez scores twice for Gunners. By James Walker-Roberts.
Palace punish sloppy Arsenal in 3-2 win at the Emirates
Former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) General Secretary, Winston Lee informed the FAS of his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the AFC Executive Committee (Asean Zone) in the 29th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress and had submitted the withdrawal letter to the AFC to this
Football: Singapore beat Solomon Islands 4-3 in Tatsuma
sports-life-news.com/soccer/football-singapore-beat-solomon-islands-4-3-in-tatsuma-yoshidas-first-game-in-charge/
Singapore equalised in the 67th minute when Shahdan's free-kick eluded everyone and beat Mango. But the Lions continued to display poor technique in the second half as Zulfahmi Arifin's casual pass in the 75th minute resulted in a fast break for the visitors, and Benjamin Totori beat Safuwan Baharudin and Izwan at the near post to restore the Solomon Islands' lead.
Former FAS General Secretary, Winston Lee withdraws candidacy
Tottenham Hotspur gained sweet revenge over north London rivals Arsenal as goals in each half by Son Heung-min and Dele Alli earned them a 2-0 win on Wednesday and a League Cup semi-final place.
Tottenham stuns Man City to reach Champions League semis
0 comments:
Post a Comment