Poch admits Tottenham prefer to play away from Wembley

Matt Stead

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that playing at Wembley has stunted Tottenham’s season.

Spurs are fifth in the Premier League table after 13 games, having won just one of their last four league games.

They have already dropped nine points at Wembley this season after winning 17 games and drawing two at their White Hart Lane home last campaign.

Pochettino has sought to dismiss any fears of playing at Wembley in the past, but has finally admitted it is something of a problem for his players, who drew against struggling West Brom at home on Saturday.

“The feeling is much better when you play away from home than at Wembley. Because you feel that when you play at Wembley, you are playing away from home too sometimes. That is the reality,” he said.

“So far we’ve got better results away from home than at home. We’ve struggled to play against teams like Burnley, West Bromwich or Swansea. Yes, that is our reality and that is our capacity, as a team, to beat opponents that play so much deeper.

“Of course, when the game is more competitive, it’s true that we build space – the space that we need to create chances. Yes, so far that is the reality.

“We were after the game with the West Brom staff. They said there is motivation to play for a team like West Brom at Wembley. That is an extra charge we need to compete against.

“Of course, it is a big motivation for opponents to play at Wembley. We need to use it in a positive way.”