Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham players 'don't have to be afraid'

The former Southampton manager has moved to allay fears over his coaching style

Mauricio Pochettino has signed a five-year-deal at Spurs (Getty Images)

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino used an interview in English to assure his Spurs players they should not fear his innovative coaching methods.

Despite speaking English to his players at former club Southampton, the Argentinian has used a translator to talk to the media since arriving in the Barclays Premier League in January 2013.

Pochettino dropped the interpreter for an interview with Spurs TV however and moved to ease concerns about his high-intensity training sessions.

"'The players don't have to be afraid,' Pochettino said.

"Our style is demanding - sometimes too much but we use common sense. We demand a lot from them because that is our style.

"Our philosophy is 'suffer in training so you don't suffer in the game'. But the players don't have to be afraid because we work with common sense all the time.

"We can only expect full commitment and a positive attitude."

Pochettino also confirmed Steffen Freund will remain on the club's coaching staff.

The former Spurs midfielder will work alongside assistant head coach Jesus Perez, first team coach Miguel D'Agostino and goalkeeping coach Toni Jiminez, who all came with Pochettino from Southamption.

PA