Pochettino discusses Wembley factor ahead of Man Utd semi-final

Mauricio Pochettino: Not interested in Arsenal

Mauricio Pochettino: At home at White Hart Lane

Mauricio Pochettino does not believe the Wembley factor will give Tottenham any advantage in their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Spurs, playing at Wembley this season while their White Hart Lane home is redeveloped, will be on familiar turf – albeit using the away dressing room – but Pochettino insists it will be a level playing field.

“Of course, we feel at home,” the Argentinian said at his pre-match press conference. “But it’s different to when we play in the Premier League.

“I don’t believe (we will have an advantage) because Manchester United have the experience to play at Wembley too. It’s not an event just for us.

“I think it will be a typical cup game at Wembley – half Tottenham and half Manchester United. I don’t believe we are going to have some advantage for that.”

Pochettino was coy when given his usual pre-match grilling about Toby Alderweireld, the Belgium defender having started his first Premier League match in almost six months in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.

“I need to decide (on Friday) the starting XI and the players in contention,” he said.

“I am going to decide (on Friday). I have still not decided. We need to assess players after the (Brighton) game. At training today, everyone was good. Only Harry Winks and Danny Rose are still out, but the rest (are fit). Now we need to decide.”

 

Pochettino on what winning FA Cup would mean

 

Pochettino says winning the FA Cup would not change the club.

“It’s fantastic if Southampton, Chelsea, Manchester United or Tottenham will win the FA Cup,” he said.

“Is it going to change our life? I don’t believe, I don’t believe. Who needs it more? I don’t know.

“We are going to try and fight to win, but it is not about need or not need, it’s about a title that would be fantastic to finish the season, play in the final and win the trophy.

“At the end it would be fantastic to finish the season with a trophy. I don’t think it’s about need or not need.”

 

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