Mauricio Pochettino’s self-criticism after Wolves defeat is admission Tottenham aren’t title contenders

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Speaking after a shock defeat to Wolves, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino appears to have recognised why his team will not be serious contenders in the Premier League title race.

“We played more with the heart rather than with the head and we started to spend a lot of energy, and of course you need the energy in the end. I am very disappointed, like the players, but there is nothing to say,” he told The Guardian.

Such poor game management and inability to see games out is reminiscent of Liverpool only a year or two ago, when the Reds struggled at this time of year and saw their campaigns go off the track.

With a lack of squad depth and a young group of players, it is not a shock that Pochettino’s side are making similar mistakes. The challenge for Pochettino will be managing that to get more out of his team.

Beyond that, he too must be more responsible with his rotation policy. Having opted to stick with his regulars yet again despite the fixture pile-up, questions may well be asked of whether he is helping to manage the fatigue of his men.

The criticism is the latest indication that Spurs are not yet ready to mix it up with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, but they are on the right track even in spite of that surprise loss.