Tottenham transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino ‘happy’ with squad despite missing out on Paulo Dybala
Spurs missed out on Dybala but brought in Ryan Sessegnon and Giovani Lo Celso on deadline day
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Mauricio Pochettino says he is “happy plus” with his Tottenham squad ahead of their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
Spurs signed Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham and secured a loan deal with obligation to buy for Giovani Lo Celso on a busy deadline day.
And while their efforts to pry Paulo Dybala from Juventus were hamstrung by issues around his image rights, Pochettino is pleased with his squad.
“I am very happy, like I told you before I was happy with my squad and now to add some more players,” the Spurs manager said.
“You are always thinking that players can bring good energy and help us achieve all that we want.
“We will see what happens, but I am so happy with the way the squad. I was happy before, I am happy plus. I am a happy man.
“I think we have made signings for the future. And the players will have opportunities to play.”
Juan Foyth’s injury perhaps leaves Tottenham short of cover at right-back after the departure of Kieran Trippier, and the club did not manage to add a player at that position before the window closed.
Pochettino hinted that he might have some alternative options in mind for the position.
“You know me, I am so brave, we can create players who can play in different positions. We try to find the best solution and I love the challenge to try and create that dynamic.”
Aston Villa visit the new Tottenham stadium on Saturday evening, and Pochettino will have to do without key men Dele Alli – who injured his hamstring in preseason – and Son Heung-Min, who is suspended.
Sessegnon is also absent through injury, along with fellow left-back Ben Davies, which means Danny Rose will likely start at left-back after late interest from Watford on deadline day.
They can however call upon Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama, who are both back in training with the first team.
Spurs will begin their first full season in their new home, and while he is pleased to be back, Pochettino does not want to overstate its importance.
“We need a boost and every single season is different. We are so happy to start the new season in our new home.
“We know we cannot use an excuse of playing at Wembley or Milton Keynes for a cup game. Now, there is no excuse.
“But of course football is football. And just because we are playing there, that doesn’t mean we are going to win four titles.”
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