Arsene Wenger rubbishes claims made by Mauricio Pochettino pre-Ajax

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has seemingly rejected Mauricio Pochettino’s recent claims about tiredness.

The Spurs boss appeared to blame fatigue for their struggles against West Ham United following the 1-0 defeat to the Irons on Saturday

He said, as quoted by The Mirror: “When the stress and fatigue arrived that [level of performance] is our reality. We are a very competitive team when we are with full energy, we are so focused.

“The stress and the fatigue arrived, we are competing with circumstances that are not the best.”

Pochettino’s comments were put to Wenger during Spurs’ Champions League semi-final first leg match with Ajax on Tuesday.

The Frenchman was undertaking punditry duties for beIN SPORTS, and appeared surprised to hear what the Argentine had alleged.

He questioned: “Fatigue? Fatigue?” You have too many scientists today you convince you that you’re tired and I think we speak too much about fatigue.”

TBR’s view

If any manager can actually speak about the potential effects of fatigue on his team, it’s Pochettino.

Spurs had a number of players representing their country at last summer’s World Cup, and Heung-min Son has also gone the extra mile for South Korea at two more tournaments.

Perhaps there is a little something in what he said, although fans – and evidently Wenger – are unlikely to accept it.

Tottenham have also had a spate of injury problems this season and Pochettino’s starting XI against Ajax was not at full strength.

Wenger may have rubbished Pochettino’s claims, but the Dutch side certainly appeared the more vibrant side on Tuesday night.