Pochettino explains why Spurs called on Kane when 6-0 up

Harry Kane’s introduction from the bench when Tottenham were 6-0 up at Tranmere was all about “respecting” the FA Cup, manager Mauricio Pochettino claims.

What could have been a tricky trip to a sold-out Prenton Park ended in the most comprehensive of away wins thanks to a devastating second-half display by Spurs.

Serge Aurier added to his first-half goal before Fernando Llorente completed a hat-trick and his replacement Kane wrapped up a 7-0 victory against the League Two side, with Son Heung-min scoring the visitors’ other goal.

 

The decision to bring on Kane when boasting a six-goal lead raised eyebrows but Pochettino seemed puzzled by those questioning that move.

“It’s important for him to score and have 20 minutes playing football,” the Spurs boss said. “I think it was important for him and for the team an important victory and to get to the next stage of the FA Cup.

“It was an important fixture for the club. To be in four competitions is an important thing.”

Pushed on whether the move to bring on Kane showed ruthlessness, Pochettino added: “It was respect.

“Respect the people, respect the opponent. They’re not going to have many chances to see Harry Kane play here in a competition like the FA Cup.

“I think it was a great atmosphere. For different reasons I decided to make a change and put Kane on the pitch but one of them is that.

during the FA Cup Third Round match between Tranmere Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur at Prenton Park on January 4, 2019 in Birkenhead, United Kingdom.

“It’s important to show respect to the people here so they could see Harry Kane, who is an icon in English football. It is difficult in that division to see it. It was important to see him in action.”

Little wonder Pochettino is happy with his group after making eight alterations and still running out 7-0 victors.

“Like all the competitions, we take it very seriously,” Pochettino said. “Of course sometimes you can win and sometimes you can lose, but always we are serious and respect the competition.”

 

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