Manager Mauricio Pochettino was so devastated by Tottenham’s failure to win the Champions League for the first time that he hid away in his Barcelona home for 10 days before finally resurfacing to begin what he hopes will be an ambitious new era for his club. ― Reuters pic
While the 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in Madrid denied Pochettino the first major trophy of his managerial career, the Argentine is attempting to turn the page as the new season looms. Adding to Pochettino’s issues, Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen has revealed he is looking for a new challenge, stalling on a new contract as Manchester United and Real Madrid wait in the wings.
In past years that would still have been cause for celebration, but Pochettino is dreaming bigger these days.It took Ndombele just one minute and four touches to show why Tottenham splashed out around £54 million pounds — a club record — to sign the France midfielder from Lyon. Having caught the eye in the Champions League for Lyon, the confident Ndombele said: “I don’t feel any pressure. I am proud to be the club record signing.”Harry Kane cut a forlorn figure at the end of the Champions League final after an ineffective display that raised questions about Pochettino’s decision to play the striker in his first game back after his latest ankle injury.
The 26-year-old was a shadow of his usual dynamic self against Liverpool in Madrid, but he is confident of returning to peak form this season.