Do post-match comments show Mauricio Pochettino has been rattled by Tottenham’s form?

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Defeat at San Siro takes Tottenham’s run of defeats to three for the first time under Mauricio Pochettino as the pressure builds on the Lilywhites after a summer in which the club opted not to bring in a single new addition.

The former Espanyol and Southampton boss struggled to hide the pressure after a double salvo from Mauro Icardi and Matias Vecino in the final ten minutes of Champions League action in Milan saw Internazionale take the tie from what looked like a Spurs win, to a spectacular defeat.

In his post match comments, the coach failed to hide his anger and lashed out at one journalist in particular, accusing him of disrespect.

“You disrespect the players that tonight showed better qualities than the opponent. When my decision is to play with 11, you must respect my decision because I am the manager. It’s so painful to hear when some people are not here and you judge in that way.”

Mauricio Pochettino spoke after the defeat.

Such comments showed a short fuse which Pochettino rarely allows to show in public and also his frustration with those not involved. Doubts remain over the status of Toby Alderweireld and his future at the club and having been left at home, many fans may feel that his presence could have changed the result.

Pochettino was clearly in no mood to discuss it, particularly after several weeks of sticking up for his squad. Whether it was defending the decision not to dip into the transfer market or protecting the likes of Harry Kane from criticism for his poor form, the boss is clearly fed up of the press’ attitude towards his team.

“It’s so cruel. The team deserved much more and I think that was our best performance since the start of the season. The only way back to winning games is to play in the way we played. It’s not about learning and working on the training ground [on set pieces] – you need luck, too, and the right decision at the right moment.”

The coach was upbeat despite the result.

This second quote in particular may be concerning for some fans, but it could instead show Pochettino’s faith in his team. With limited options and a shallow squad, Pochettino has little choice but to stick with his key men and try to find the best way to motivate them.

In the past, the Tottenham boss has made it clear that he is reluctant to criticise his players in public, though judging by his fury in the press room, it’s hard to imagine that he was as cool as a cucumber in the dressing room only moments earlier.