West Ham vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino hints at resting players, despite it being an 'exciting moment'

Spurs came from behind to beat Swansea on Sunday and are in action again on Wednesday

Tom Allnutt
Monday 29 February 2016 09:24 GMT
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Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino (GETTY IMAGES)

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Mauricio Pochettino admits he may have to be careful with some of his players ahead of Tottenham's crunch trip to West Ham on Wednesday.

Spurs fought back from behind to beat Swansea 2-1 on Sunday, their first of three games in six days with the Hammers to come in midweek before Saturday's north London derby against Arsenal.

Harry Kane played wearing a face mask at White Hart Lane after breaking his nose last weekend but Dele Alli may need to be assessed after kicking the ground during the warm-up.

Alli appeared uninhibited as he played the whole 90 minutes against Swansea but the midfielder was seen hobbling heavily as he left the stadium after the match.

"It's easier to prepare for the West Ham game after this victory," Pochettino added.

"They (the players) are happy, they smile, it is always a better mood to recover.

"It is an exciting moment for us but some players we need to manage because some feel a little bit tired. We came from a very tough period."

Danny Rose scored the winner as Pochettino's side reduced the gap between Spurs and league leaders Leicester back to two points. Nacer Chadli had earlier cancelled out Alberto Paloschi's opener.

Rose has enjoyed an impressive campaign but his Tottenham future was far from certain when Pochettino first arrived, after the new head coach made fellow left-back Ben Davies one of his first signings in the summer of 2014.

"We arrived 21 months ago and the first meeting I had with a Tottenham player was with him," Pochettino said.

"They were on holiday and I called him to come to my office. I was happy and pleased to give him the opportunity to stay here and work with us.

"It is true we are very happy with him showing quality and helping the team.

"It was maybe difficult from the beginning when we arrived but I am very happy for him. The crowd were singing his name.

"When any manager arrives at a new club always the player needs to know the idea. Mine was from the beginning to give him the chance to show he has enough quality to play for Tottenham."

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