Pochettino defends his record and declares season ‘amazing’

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has issued a staunch defence of his record as his side bid to cling on to their top-four spot in the remaining two games of the Premier League campaign.

Spurs, who host Newcastle at Wembley on Wednesday, currently occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot, but have seen a 10-point lead over Chelsea in fifth reduced to just two over the past four matches.

The north Londoners potential Champions League qualification for a third successive year has been overshadowed by Pochettinos failure to deliver a trophy after four seasons in the Tottenham hotseat.

“I understand people want more,” said Pochettino. “We want more. Were ambitious. We need patience, we need to work hard. For me, to create a team capable of winning, to build a mentality is like a marathon.

“Its not an explosive 100 metres, standing and stopping in nine seconds. Its 42 kilometres and its a long-term development with ups and downs but always going up, and I think that is the progression of the club and the team. If you analyse all the context, I think its an amazing season.”

Midfielder Eric Dier is set to miss Wednesdays clash through illness, while centre-half Jan Vertonghen is available despite coming off injured against West Brom on Saturday.

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