Mauricio Pochettino defends Tanguy Ndombele snub vs Liverpool

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino got a little tetchy when asked about Tanguy Ndombele after his side were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool on Sunday.

Spurs took the lead at Anfield and had chances to go 2-0 up, but couldn’t convert and allowed the Reds to come from behind and win.

Eyebrows were raised before the game by Tottenham fans, particularly over the manager’s midfield selections.

Club-record signing Ndombele was left on the bench, with Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko preferred in the engine room.

The Frenchman was brought on in the second half but didn’t have enough time to make a major impact.

The situation frustrated supporters, who were full of praise for Ndombele after he starred against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

When asked about the difference he made, Pochettino said (football.london): “Big difference? Doing what? I think be careful how we assess. I was talking to some of your colleagues before the game.

“With 29 players in the squad it’s so important to rotate and keep them all motivated to play. He played on Tuesday in the Champions League and I think Harry Winks was fresh to play.”

TBR’s view – Ndombele must play

Pochettino should be looking to get Ndombele into his starting XI wherever possible.

The 22-year-old has shown in glimpses his excellent ability on the ball and needs an uninterrupted run in the side to really flourish.

He is very progressive on the ball and brings everything Sissoko brings and more.

A number of players that played against Red Star were selected to start against Liverpool, making Pochettino’s reasons for his snub somewhat difficult to accept.