Pochettino does not dwell on Spurs future talk after Final defeat

Macdara Ferris reports from  Estadio Metropolitano

Mauricio Pochettino wasn’t drawn on his future with Tottenham Hotspur after his side’s defeat in the Champions League Final in Madrid on Saturday night.

There has been much speculation about whether Poch will stay or go at White Hart Lane but an understandably subdued Uruguayan didn’t go into details about his plans when he spoke to the media post-match.

“It isn’t the moment now to talk too much (about future at Spurs),” said Pochettino. “After five years at Tottenham, the project was so clear. Our ambition and commitment was amazing. For our club to play for the first time in the Champions League Final is historic. It is time to stay calm. We will have time to talk.”

His team conceded goals two minutes into the game and two minutes from time but in between Spurs were the more dominant team. They had 62% possession with 14 of their 16 attempts on goal coming in the second period with Alisson doing enough in the Liverpool goal keeping them at bay.

"We feel very disappointed but this season is so fantastic. I feel so proud of our players, the club and the fans. To concede after 20 seconds changed our plans and had a massive impact. 

“We dominated the game, created more chances but they were more aggressive and clinical in front of goal. We are very proud finishing in the top four and playing in the [Champions League] final for the first time in the history of the club.”

Poch wasn’t making any excuses though and he defended his decision to start Harry Kane who hadn’t played since their semi-final against Ajax. 

“I will look stupid if I talk about 65% possession or our eight shots on target and their four but the final is about winning. It isn’t about getting what you deserve or playing well. 

“Harry (Kane) finished the game fresh. He didn’t score but neither did anyone else. My decision was very analytical. I don’t regret my decision.”

The development over recent seasons with Spurs on the pitch, coupled with the fortress of a new home around it, means Tottenham can continue to play at the big boys table in seasons to come. It is what Klopp managed to do with his now victorious European champion team. 

“We’re up against a team that has been built up over three or four years to play in these kinds of situations, reaching finals. It would have been an historic moment had we won and lifted the trophy.

"It would have surprised everyone because in the last five years, Tottenham has been prioritising the construction of the new stadium and has spent nothing (on the team). With the foundations that it has, creating history and let’s hope it’s the start of a successful period for the club.”

Klopp hails his young Liverpool heroes https://t.co/PZmDo53X2Ypic.twitter.com/xKiX9uGDl4

— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) June 2, 2019