Share

Pochettino: Blaming players is counter-productive

Cape Town - Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes it's important to share the blame with his players and to focus on building their confidence again.

Spurs have been plunged into crisis this season after winning only three of their first 11 games and a horror week saw them follow up a 7-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in the Champions League with a 3-0 loss at Brighton on Saturday.

Pochettino - who guided the club to the Champions League final only five months ago - has had to defend his position, insisting he does not fear the sack.

On how to turn things around, Pochettino said: "The team has lost confidence. We have to work to win that trust again.

"We talk to the players. We tell them that we have lost by mistakes, but we must try to forget them.

"The best way to help the player is not telling him that he has done s***.

"You can't hide. You have to share the responsibility."

Speaking at a conference in Qatar, Pochettino added: "We at Tottenham work as a team.

"After two big defeats like the ones we have suffered, we have to think about the future.

"You have to recover the emotional level. When you are on the top, you feel you must respond to dignity.

"Football is born in the heart. Our responsibility is to be guardians of this, make sure you don't forget.

"You have to help the players to motivate themselves. But how can you motivate yourself after the Champions League? I say: 'Are we, professionals? Or not?'"

- TeamTalk Media

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE