Pochettino explains decision to start Harry Kane in CL final

Harry Kane

Mauricio Pochettino insists he had no doubts selecting Harry Kane from the off as Tottenham tackle Liverpool in the Champions League final.

England striker Kane suffered an ankle injury in the quarter-final first leg clash against Manchester City and looked to be out for the rest of the season.

But the Spurs talisman has battled back to fitness in timely circumstances and suggested earlier this week he was on course to start.

And after selecting him to start the showpiece in the Wanda Metropolitano, Pochettino explained his thinking.

“I think, we believe and feel, in the last few weeks he has proved himself ready to play,” Pochettino told BT Sport shortly before kick-off. “We gave him time to show us he’s ready and he showed us yesterday that he can start.”

Pochettino continued: “It is the first time we have the squad fit and that is important. How the game is going to finish we don’t know, and we don’t know how long Harry will play for.

“I am sorry for Lucas [Moure] and Fernando [Llorente], but we can’t start with them all. It’s the same for everyone [left out].”

 

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