Mauricio Pochettino proud that Tottenham are 'worrying' rivals

'Maybe we are worrying them a lot, more than we believe'

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino celebrates the 4-0 victory over Stoke (Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham Hotspur should be flattered when rival players and managers say they want Leicester City to win the Barclays Premier League.

Chelsea's former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas said this week he did not want Spurs to lift the title, and the Blues could have a big say in the race at the top given they play Pochettino's men at home in nine days' time and host Leicester on the final day of the season.

Tottenham have reduced the gap to five points after the leaders drew 2-2 against West Ham last weekend, and Pochettino is not concerned about the wave of support for the Foxes.

"I believe that in football the players are professional the managers are professional," Pochettino said.

"We are too exposed on the media and sometimes we need to say something interesting. Maybe sometimes it's not the case and my press conferences are boring!

"I feel proud if other players want Leicester to win the league. Maybe we are worrying them a lot, more than we believe."

Tottenham play second again this weekend as they host West Brom on Monday, with Claudio Ranieri's side facing Swansea at home on Sunday.

It gives Leicester the chance to pull eight points clear by the time Spurs kick off against the Baggies, but Pochettino is not complaining about the schedule.

"I'm happy with the way we take the moment. We need to play after the other team on Monday. We need to accept that," Pochettino said.

"We know it is football but it is business too. We know the rules and I don't complain - it is no excuse."

Pochettino also gave a dry response to comments made by Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who said Tottenham's success with young English players has been exaggerated.

Emenalo argued that for all the "hoopla" surrounding Spurs' youth policy, Harry Kane is the only "key player" to have been developed by the club.

Pochettino has nurtured 11 of England's last 19 debutants, and the Argentinian did not feel the need to defend his record.

"I'm focusing on trying to win the title and I did not hear," Pochettino said.

"I don't need to speak about the obvious things that happen at Southampton and Tottenham. I am just focusing on our job."

PA