Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham ‘need to be ready’ for a top-four battle after admitting a Premier League title win is now ‘impossible’ after back-to-back defeats to Burnley and Chelsea.
Spurs’ distant title hopes are surely now over after following up Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat to Burnley with a dreadful performance against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the match, Pochettino had said that it could take ten years of his leadership to turn Tottenham into a title-winning side, saying his players’ attitude is unacceptable in certain games.
And the boss said he was ‘so frustrated’ after watching his side fail to register a shot on target as they lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, a result which leaves them nine points behind leaders Liverpool with ten games remaining.
And he admits it’s now only a two-horse race for the Premier League crown.
“We didn’t shoot and I think we were not consistent enough,” said Pochettino.
“The competition will put us in our place. It’s a 10-month competition, not just three or four months. We are disappointed now.
“After Burnley I said it was difficult, and tonight makes it impossible to fight Man City and Liverpool.
“Only they can win the league – we must fight to win games and to be fair.”
There will be a very real sense of déjà vu for fans, who have seen their side challenge in recent seasons but fall away at crucial moments and in vital games.
Tottenham next face north London derby rivals Arsenal on Saturday, in another must-win game for their top-four hopes.
The Gunners now trail Spurs by just four points in fourth place, following their 5-1 thumping of Bournemouth, while fifth-placed Manchester United are just a point further back after their 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.
Asked if he was concerned about Tottenham’s top-four place, Pochettino said: “It’s not a drama.
“We need to be ready to compete and give our best. If we win, I’ll be happy. If we don’t win, I’ll be as unhappy as I am now.
“It’s about being calm. It won’t change my assessment of the players.
“We need to support them, lift them and help them to compete on Saturday.”