‘Everyone was against us’, says Spurs boss Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino: Left frustrated after Wembley loss

Mauricio Pochettino: Left frustrated after Wembley loss

Mauricio Pochettino says the notion that “everyone was against” Tottenham winning the Premier League placed “extra stress” on his side.

Pochettino’s men eventually finished third behind champions Leicester and north-London rivals Arsenal after finding themselves in contention for a shot at the title they had not won since 1961.

After the turn of the year Spurs emerged as Leicester’s closest challengers, but they could not topple Claudio Ranieri’s men after failing to win any of their last four league games.

A draw with West Brom on April 25 severely dented their hopes, before a 2-2 draw with Chelsea a week later, after being 2-0 up, crowned Leicester as champions. Tottenham then proceeded to lose their final two games – to Southampton and Newcastle – to sour a promising season as Arsenal overhauled them.

“I believe we’re brave and took risks,” Pochettino told Canal+. “A team is a reflection of its coaching staff, that’s something I learnt from Bielsa.

“We’re the youngest team in the Premier League. Playing well isn’t easy but we failed; failed in the key moments to become champions.

“I have to admit it [public opinion] was an extra stress. Everyone was against us. The team in second was the one to beat.”