In their first Champions League match of 2018/19, Tottenham Hotspur threw away a one goal lead to lose at the San Siro to old rivals Internazionale.
Fans took to social media to display their outrage at Spurs’ performance, with the pressure starting to pile up on manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Tottenham are now on a three match losing streak, following Premier League defeats to Watford and this weekend against table-toppers Liverpool, and a turgid performance in Italy triggered fans’ ire.
The frustration has obviously transitioned to the manager.
Following his questionable ‘cow’ comments in his pre-match press conference, Pochettino has followed up with a furious tirade when questioned about his team selection and choices.
Many questioned why Toby Alderweireld and World Cup hero Kieran Trippier were left back in North London,
"Against Watford and against Liverpool, they were on the pitch. Wow, what a question, such an easy question eh? You know, easy target,"
Pochettino retorted when probed by a journalist, as reported by The Independent.
"(It's) easy to talk about the players that aren't here.
"I think we need to talk about football. Because, you know I think you force me to say something that is not good.
"You disrespect the players that today showed better qualities than the opponent.
"Why disrespect the players that aren't on the pitch? You can blame me and say, 'Gaffer, you were so, so rubbish in your selection of the starting XI’.
"But please don't disrespect the players who were playing, because it's my decision. Kieran Trippier, Toby Alderweireld.... we have 25 players.
"And you believe that and sometimes you behave like you ask me with your question, that you can play only 11 and the other 13 or 14 players are rubbish, are s***.
"Sorry, but I am so disappointed because I am a person that respects you a lot and the players.
"When my decision is to play with XI, you must respect my decision because I am the manager.
"You show too much disrespect for the players who play in the position as the players you have given me the names of now.
"I don't understand. Sorry. You are so kind people, but I don't understand why. Why? Please.
"To be a player is so difficult, and of course for me it is easier on the touchline. I don't run. It is so painful to hear when some people are not here, and you judge in that way and you kill players who give their best. It's so unfair.”
It’s clear that Pochettino’s thread is being pulled and Tottenham need to produce a turnaround, and quick. Tottenham have now lost three consecutive games for the first time under the Argentine. The last time this run happened for the club was under former manager Tim Sherwood back in March 2014.
Spurs next take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the EPL this forthcoming Saturday.
