Pochettino has no fears about Alli tarnishing ‘nice guy’ image

Dele Alli: Tottenham midfielder should face Aston Villa

Dele Alli: Tottenham midfielder should face Aston Villa

Mauricio Pochettino insists he has no concerns that Dele Alli will suffer from the same disciplinary issues when Tottenham face Fiorentina in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Italians travel to White Hart Lane for the second leg of their last-32 tie, having drawn 1-1 in Florence, and may afford Alli some extra attention after the midfielder appeared to drag his foot over Nenad Tomovic during last week’s first leg.

Pochettino said he had spoken to Alli this week about his conduct and the Argentine has been pleased with the 19-year-old’s response.

“We had a chat and it was very good,” Pochettino said in his media briefing to preview the match.

“He is a very nice guy and a very good person but is very competitive on the pitch.

“He showed very good maturity against Crystal Palace, he was calm and played well. That showed his character and he improved his behaviour on the pitch.

“It was a natural chat and he showed for the future he learned a lot after that.”