Europa League: Mauricio Pochettino pulling Tottenham through 'tough period'

Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges that Tottenham are enduring a 'tough period' but is confident they will emerge stronger for having faced these challenges.

A promising start to a new era at White Hart Lane, which delivered four successive victories in Premier League and Europa League competition, has been followed by a run of two wins in nine.

Spurs have dropped to ninth in the domestic standings as a result, with a 4-1 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday exposing defensive frailties.

Pochettino, a man handed a five-year contract over the summer, is aware that he has a rebuilding project to oversee but remains convinced that success will be delivered if he is given the time to get things right.

I am sure that in the end we achieve something important. Maybe in six months, maybe in one year, or maybe in two years.

He said ahead of Thursday’s continental home date with Asteras Tripoli: “I have enjoyed my four months at Tottenham.

“We knew when we signed for Tottenham that we expected a tough period.

“We are in a very tough period in the club, but when you arrive to a club with big potential like Tottenham, a big club, and have the possibility to build something important, this is a very good challenge for us.

“I enjoy, but I try to enjoy it more than I am. I am aware of the results.”

Pochettino added on the need for Spurs to continue looking to the future, rather than dwelling on the past: “It is impossible for me to speak about previous managers, the previous philosophies, previous ideas.

“Two seasons ago, Gareth Bale was here and the club sold him for £100million – now he is not here, there’s no Luka Modric and I don’t know. You have a different challenge or different target or objective.

“Now it is different. The club is different – the club takes another way. I have a clear idea from the club, from the board, and I agree and we need to build something special and Tottenham want to build something special.

“No better, no worse than before – different. We need time and to work hard and it is for that I am here.”

Pochettino believes achieving ‘something special’ will see Spurs back on the trophy trail, with it only a matter of time before their potential is unlocked and a first piece of silverware since the 2008 League Cup is secured.

He said: “I am sure that in the end we achieve something important. Maybe in six months, maybe in one year, or maybe in two years.

“But I am sure that the club, in the end, will achieve a very important trophy.”