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‘That’s why we love football’, says Spurs manager Pochettino

Pochettino

Manchester (UK), April 18, 2019 (Reuters/NAN) Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino hailed his team as “heroes” after Wednesday’s astonishing Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City.

The match ended in an away goals win for his team after ending 4-4 on aggregate.

The 4-3 win on the night for Manchester City was so nearly 5-3 — and progress to the last four for City — but Raheem Sterling’s stoppage time effort was ruled out by a VAR review.

It correctly spotted Sergio Aguero off-side.

“It was unbelievable – the way it finished,” said Pochettino.

“I am so happy, so proud. My players are heroes to be here. I am so happy for them, so happy for the fans,” added the Argentine.

Pochettino said he had gone through a wild mix of emotions during the final moments as four words flashed up on the big screen – “No goal, VAR, offiside” – confirmed that Sterling’s goal had been over-turned.

“In a moment many things happened in your head, the disappointment was massive but they changed the decision,” he added.

“That is why we love football. Today we showed great character and great personality it was an unbelievable game.”

Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen, who gave the ball away in the build-up to Sterling’s disallowed goal, did not disguise his relief.

“I must be one of the luckiest guys on the planet tonight. I thought it was all over but it was a fun game.

“It was a rollercoaster, we gave them a lot but also got a lot. It was a weird game,” he said.

Tottenham’s South Korean forward Son Heung-min, whose two strikes were part of the four goals scored in the opening 11 minutes, said it was an unforgettable game.

“I have never seen something like this. It was tough and crazy but we are very proud of our team mates. It was madness,” he said.

“Sometimes you are annoyed with VAR but today it is thank you. We fought together for 90 minutes. We showed unbelievable character and fight.” (Reuters/NAN)

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Sport

Kane amongst world’s best, Tottenham boss Pochettino says

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Best
Abuja, Dec. 27, 2017 (NAN) Tottenham Hotspur’s manager Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Harry Kane’s achievements, adding that the striker was amongst the best players in the world.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kane toppled Shearer’s 22-year-old record for the most English Premier league goals in a calendar year.

This was after he scored a hat-trick in Tottenham’s 5-2 win over Southampton on Tuesday.

Kane hit a second treble in as many games to complete Tottenham’s five-goal rout, rounding off the year with 39 Premier League goals.

The feat made it 56 strikes in all competitions for Spurs and England.

His second goal of the day had taken him to 55 for club and country in 2017.

This lifted him above FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi to become Europe’s top-scorer over the last 12 months in the five major countries (England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France).

The 24-year-old England forward also set an EPL record by scoring six hat-tricks in a calendar year.

He capped another ruthless display in front of goal to complete his treble in the 67th minute, his second in as many games.

Pochettino in his post-match comments noted that it was a fantastic achievement, adding however that kudos must also be given to the team.

“I think I have said everything. His name is there [with the best in the world], it is a fantastic achievement.

“Congratulations to him and to the team because you also need help from the team.

“It does not surprise us because everyday we see how he works, how determined he is and how professional he is. That can only be good for him.

“Professional is a massive word — you need to include everything there inside and he is a good example of that.”

On his hopes for Tottenham in 2018, Pochettino said: “We are ambitious, but I am happy we finished the year in a very good way. For next year? Win — win every game. The mentality is so important for us.”(NAN)
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)