OPINION
It’s rare to see a manager get panned by his own supporters after overseeing a 7-0 win. But that has been the situation over the last 24 hours after Mauricio Pochettino brought Harry Kane on the pitch with 15 minutes remaining in the FA Cup third-round tie on Friday even though his side were already 6-0 up. The manager subsequently claim he took the decision out of “respect” to the competition and the opposition who are “not going to have many chances to see Harry Kane play here in a competition”. That may true, but it was a mighty odd decision, given the amount of games Kane has played this season and that Son Heung-Min, who often plays up front alongside the England skipper or as his replacement, is going to the Asia Cup on January 13. The threat of burnout or injury to the Spurs talisman is very real. Why risk it? Is there a contractual obligation to play Kane when he is fit and available? Certainly, supporters were fuming and their manager and left scratching their heads at the baffling move.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
I think it’s stupid and rash for Poch to bring on Kane, when the game is out of sight. 15 mins, anything can happen! I don’t care that he scored #COYS
— $??FF (@BR0WSLA) January 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/jesschalkley/status/1081298367911813121
https://twitter.com/Kingisgod1/status/1081330535790718976
Kane was great with the young home fans, a few selfies and loads of smiles for them. Obvious question; why risk coming on, cold night at 0-6? #coys
— kypros kyprianou (@kypros13) January 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/White_Hart_Spur/status/1081462199581847552
Why on earth is Harry Kane coming on? ?
— Craig (@mrcraigo10) January 4, 2019
Because he needs more game time after coming back from injury.. Don't ask me why Kane came on though #COYS
— Ian Brazier (@Ian_P_Brazier) January 4, 2019
Great performance by the lads but did Kane come on literally to stat pad or what? Don't understand that. #TRATOT #COYS
— Quizmaster (@Osiris292) January 4, 2019
Lucky that no one got hurt at end (Kane, Dele should have been off). #COYS #TRATOT
— Jonathan Best (@jandjbest) January 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/Gavbele/status/1081301336744955906
Is anyone else concerned that Harry Kane might end up like Michael Owen with the amount of football he plays. #TRATOT #COYS #HarryKane #tottenham
— Jack (@LoveofSpurs) January 4, 2019