Poch: Everyone was against us; it was ‘extra stress’
Mauricio Pochettino claims that “everyone was against” Tottenham winning the Premier League last season.
Tottenham were considered Leicester’s closest title challengers for much of the season, but the north Londoners somehow managed to finish third in a two-horse race, behind bitter rivals and runners-up Arsenal.
A young side led by the goals of Harry Kane had opportunities to catch the Foxes, but their inability to win any of their last four league games spelled the end of their charge.
A draw with West Brom on April 25 dented their hopes, before a 2-2 draw with Chelsea a week later crowned Leicester as champions. Tottenham proceeded to lose their final two games – to Southampton and Newcastle – to sour a promising season.
Speaking to Canal+, Pochettino believes that “everyone” favoured a Leicester title win over a Tottenham one, and that it was “an extra stress” to the players.
“I believe we’re brave and took risks,” Pochettino said. “A team is a reflection of its coaching staff, that’s something I learnt from Bielsa.
“We’re the youngest team in the Premier League. Playing well isn’t easy but we failed; failed in the key moments to become champions.
“I have to admit it [public opinion] was an extra stress. Everyone was against us. The team in second was the one to beat.”