Tottenham press conference: Mauricio Pochettino discusses Jan Vertonghen’s contract, Hugo Lloris and Bayern Munich Champions League test
Mauricio Pochettino and Jan Vertonghen addressed the media ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League meeting with 2013 winners Bayern Munich.
Despite reaching the final of the competition last season, there has been a feeling of unrest surrounding the Lilywhites.
Speculation about the futures of certain players, dips in form and erratic performances have directly contributed to an indifferent start to the season for Spurs.
Goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris made the cardinal sin of dawdling on the ball in his own box and was duly punished by Southampton striker Danny Ings on Saturday afternoon.
While Vertonghen and teammate Christian Eriksen are both entering the final stages of their deals in north London.
With the daunting prospect of facing a rejuvenated Bayern side on Tuesday night in the Champions League, Pochettino answered several difficult questions from the media on Monday lunchtime.
Here are the best bits from the Argentine’s press conference…
Pochettino on Vertonghen’s future
"I am open to everything, but that is a dealing between the club, him and his agent. Let's see what happens.
"Jan is always an important part of my project. That feeling isn't going to change."
Pochettino on recent form
“We hope to win tomorrow and be in a better position than last season. That is why in football it’s important not how you start but how you finish. You need to be strong in mentality.
“It’s normal to talk when you don’t get the results everyone expects. In football you must be motivated. I am so happy with the squad and we’re in a position where all is possible.”
Pochettino on Moussa Sissoko’s new contract and suitability at right-back
“It’s a decision from the club and the player to sign a contract.
“If you remember last season at Barcelona in Champions League game he played in that position. It’s not new.”
Pochettino on dealing with Hugo Lloris’ mistake
“I think you saw my reaction and my approach. Football is about mistakes.”
Pochettino on Bayern Munich
“They are a club that every season try to prepare themselves to win the competition because their history says that.
"It’s a club that can be one of the contenders for sure to win the Champions League.”
Vertonghen on contract negotiations
"I would prefer not to go too deep into that but there is always some movement.
"I am very ambitious, I feel like I have a couple of good years left in me. I hope I can help the team.
"It is my eighth season here, I have had a great past and I am feeling great in every single way here, that is all I want to say on that."
Vertonghen on potential dressing room unrest
"I am not going too much into that, the mood at this point is good.
"It was a good win on Saturday, we showed who we really are."