Poch jokes that Xavi is his ‘enemy’ after Alli comments

Matt Stead

Mauricio Pochettino joked that Xavi was his “enemy” after the Barcelona legend fuelled speculation that Dele Alli could leave Tottenham.

Alli is sure to be on the shortlist of a number of clubs heading into this summer’s transfer window, with the midfielder being crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year for a second straight season.

The 21-year-old has scored 16 goals and assisted a further seven as Tottenham have embarked on another Premier League title quest.

Quotes from legendary midfielder Xavi emerged on Tuesday, with the Spaniard (not at all) claiming that Manchester City were considering making a world-record bid.

Asked on the comments, former Espanyol coach Pochettino replied, smiling: “Xavi is in a period when he loves to talk. He’s in Doha (playing for Qatari club Al Sadd) and he was a Barcelona player – he’s my enemy.

“He tries to destroy our focus to win because he hates me because he’s a Barcelona player and fan. I know Xavi very well. I played against him a lot and when I was a manager.”

Pochettino continued: “I don’t know what Xavi said – is he working for Manchester City now? He wants to help Guardiola.”