 |
| Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino tells Man Utd to expect the worst after dropping into Europa League |
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has warned Manchester United of the psychological drain they face dropping into the Europa League.
The Red Devils' Champions League failure in Wolfsburg relegated them into Europe's secondary club competition where they will now join Pochettino's Tottenham in the last 32.
In his second campaign leading Spurs in the Europa League, Pochettino is accustomed to dealing with a packed fixture list as his side host Monaco tonight with qualification in the bag and only needing a point to guarantee topping the group.
The Spurs boss knows the gruelling schedule that lies ahead for Louis van Gaal's men and has told them to expect the worst.
"It's a factor that can affect you - I think it's a big, big difference," he said. "When you play Thursday and Sunday it affects the mentality and psychology and you always know Thursday night is a long journey and you need to play Sunday afternoon.
"For the players it always affects the psychology because football is always Saturday at three o'clock. It will be tough for them.
"It's difficult to keep the same level, after 21 games you can have bad day. Competing in the Europa league and Champions League and the teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain - in the league the gap is maybe 10 or 12 points and they can rest players and prepare for the Champions League in the best condition.
"Last weekend Liverpool played at Newcastle and lost, Chelsea lost to Bournemouth and Manchester City lost to Stoke. In Spain it's impossible that would happen. It's very tough here. It's not an excuse but teams use the local competitions to rest players after the Champions League and Europa League. For us it's impossible."
Pochettino is set to rest Harry Kane with the striker having clocked up 27 games for club and country this season off the back of a gruelling summer schedule, but Nacer Chadli and Nabil Bentaleb return to the squad after ankle injuries.
Spurs and West Brom have also been charged by the FA after their players reacted angrily following Baggies goalscorer James McClean's tackle on Mousa Dembele, with both clubs having until 6pm on Friday to respond.
Spurs (possible): Vorm; Trippier, Wimmer, Alderweireld, Davies; Dier, Winks; N'Jie, Chadli, Lamela; Son
TV: BT Sport Europe. Kick-off: 8.05pm.
 |
| Man United boss Louis van Gaal looks dejected during the 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg |
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus