A number of Tottenham players have complained the team’s wretched run is due to exhaustion and they want more time off, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim “several” of those in the Spurs dressing room believe they are being “worked too hard” by manager Mauricio Pochettino, particularly for those who went the distance at the World Cup.
The Times report that the players’ grievance “about a lack of time off are longstanding” as Pochettino’s training schedule has been similarly intense throughout his four years as manager.
OPINION
In years gone by, Pochettino’s teams have collapsed in the final weeks of the season as the demanding training schedule has robbed players of energy and zest. That was not the case in 2016-17 when Spurs came second and achieved their highest-ever points total in the Premier League era following a strong finish to the campaign. But anyone watching Harry Kane stumble leggily through Tottenham and England’s last five matches will recognise a player who looks knackered. He’s not the only one in Lilywhite who looks cabbaged, either. Spurs have lost three consecutives matches for the first time in the Pochettino era and the training regime appears to be having a clear and damaging effect. Does the manager appreciate the players’ concerns? Are they being relayed directly to him, or through third parties? It is possibly the latter, as Pochettino is claiming Kane is in perfect condition to play. The Argentine needs to be aware and adapt his methods accordingly. A one-size-fits-all policy won’t work.