Saturday 18 March 2017 10:25, UK
Mauricio Pochettino admits Vincent Janssen has endured a difficult first season with Tottenham but is convinced the Dutchman can be a success at White Hart Lane.
Striker Janssen is back in the spotlight as a possible replacement for Harry Kane, who is nursing an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old scored against Millwall last weekend, which was Janssen's first from open play since joining in a £17.5m deal from AZ Alkmaar eight months ago.
He failed to take his chance when Kane was out for seven weeks during the autumn as 10 appearances in that period yielded only only three goals - all from the penalty spot.
Ahead of Spurs' Super Sunday clash with Southampton, Pochettino said he accepts Janssen has experienced a difficult start in north London.
"It's true that in some period of the season his form was down," the Argentine said."He needed a wake-up call to be reminded that the possibility of playing could arrive.
I understand they are not happy with some situations.
"He is very young. He came from Holland. I'm happy with him and all the players, but I understand they are not happy with some situations.
"He is okay, he is motivated, confident and feeling a little bit of relief after his first goal from open play and that is important. I am happy in the way that he trained this week too.
"Players are training hard every day to try and find their best form, but every weekend they do not find too much possibility to play.
"Always we say they need to be professional, but they are only human and it is very tough to come in every day, it's very complicated."
