Tottenham can win titles in the future, says Mauricio Pocchettino

Mauricio Pochettino has stressed his side must grow up quickly but the Argentine is convinced he has laid the foundation for Tottenham to "win some titles".

Youngsters Dele Alli and Eric Dier have thrived under Pochettino this season and Tottenham were handed an off-field boost this week with revised plans for their new stadium receiving council approval.

Tottenham are fifth ahead of Saturday's visit to St Mary's which sees both Pochettino and defender Toby Alderweireld return to their former clubs.

Spurs' 14-match unbeaten run in the league ended last weekend after Newcastle's surprise 2-1 win at White Hart Lane and Pochettino admits his starlets must mature if the club is to fulfil its early season promise.

"It is difficult to be consistent when you start," he said.

"At Tottenham after 18 months we have put the basis for sure in the future to win some titles. We are sure because the basis is very strong.

"We have a very young squad that can only improve for the future. We only need time. We have the youngest team in the Premier League so sometimes we have to expect that we have bad days, like we had Sunday.

"It is important to analyse and say, 'Hey, we need to learn about that and move on quick' because football doesn't wait for you.

"We take a risk to have a younger player in the squad so we need to help them a lot. That is important to be consistent.

"We have been consistent from the beginning but different moments will be tough for them and now they need to have the tools to move forward."

Ronald Koeman's Southampton are without a win in five matches but Pochettino is braced for a stern examination of his young side's credentials this weekend.

He said: "We expect a very tough game as Southampton have one of the best squads in the Premier League and a very good manger and St Mary's push the people and supporters, but we are ready to compete.

"Our objective is to win the three points and try to recover our feeling and performance."