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| Pochettino has asked the Premier League for 'more help' to compete in Europe |
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has pleaded with the Premier League to stop giving Tottenham's opponents an unfair advantage this season.
The Spurs boss hit out at his side's gruelling schedule ahead of their Europa League clash with Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag.
Pochettino's men will return to London tomorrow after completing a 6,000-mile round trip with little more than 48 hours to prepare for Sunday's lunchtime kick-off against Chelsea.
And to make matters worse the same thing happened earlier this month when they were forced to play three times in six days before facing Arsenal in the north London derby.
Pochettino, who has brought a strong squad with him, said: "We need more help from our country and the Premier League. It's not a complaint but this is the reality when you play Thursday, you have a long trip home and then you play Sunday morning.
"We have a difficult opponent, in this case Chelsea, who will have three days more than us to prepare. We have only one day. It's a clear advantage for opponent.
"It's a big challenge for us. It's tough to compete in every competition. Tottenham try to win every competition we play. You need some help to compete in the same condition than the opponent. It's not very difficult. It's not fair.
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| Kane is one of those at risk of tiredness with 18 appearances already this year |
"Earlier this month we played Aston Villa on Monday, then a big, big game Thursday against Anderlecht, then Sunday against Arsenal. It gives the advantage to the opponent.
"I don't like to complain but that is the reality and people need to know the reality. I don't know the solution. Why couldn't we play Monday against Chelsea? I don't know why.
"It's difficult to find a solution and that's not my job. We need to try to play in the same condition as our opponents."
Pochettino also insists such a tough schedule risks damaging England's chances at Euro 2016 because players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier could face burn-out by then.
He said: "We have 18 internationals and every international break they go to play. We need to think too that a difficult summer is coming with the Euros and to manage in a good way, assess after every game to keep them fit, and avoid injuries too.
"This is a big job for us. This is a big concern for us. You need to take some important decisions and have from all the squad the commitment they are fit and can play in every competition."
Kane is particularly at risk having played in all 18 of Tottenham's matches so far this season, but unlike Kyle Walker and Danny Rose who were left at home, he is in the squad.
Kane also played for England's Under 21s at last summer's Euros and played all but 10 minutes of the recent friendlies with France and Spain.
But Spurs can clinch their passage to the knockout phase with a game to spare if they win against Qarabag and Kane looks set to start.
Another player set to get another opportunity is full-back Kieran Trippier, whose playing time this season has almost exclusively come in the Europa League
"I'll make sure I take every opportunity I get," said the former Burnley defender.
"It's an experience for me to be playing in the Europa League and if we do get through then hopefully I will stay in the team for the Europa League.
"The lads are flying at the moment but if I keep training hard and playing well in the Europa League, then hopefully time will tell."
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Davies; Alli, Dier; Njie, Eriksen, Son; Kane.
Referee: Tasos Sidiropoulos (GRE).
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