Frustrated Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham’s lax defending left plans against Barcelona ‘destroyed’

Speaking after seeing Spurs go down 4-2 to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona, Pochettino was very clear in his view that his team were their own worst enemies at Wembley

Mauricio Pochettino could barely hide his frustration with Tottenham’s lax defending that let Barcelona into the game against Barcelona, bemoaning the fact that they had their plans “destroyed” by conceding in the second minute.

Speaking after seeing Spurs go down 4-2 to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona, Pochettino was very clear in his view that his team were their own worst enemies at Wembley, that Barcelona did not create too many chances in the first half, and that Messi’s second half brilliance was just a consequence of Spurs’ risky gameplan.

“If you watch football you will understand, that to go 1-0 down early destroyed the plan. It is so difficult after to assess. In the first half it was difficult for the team to restart to play, and to feel confident in the way we planned to play. When you start this type of game, at this level, against an opponent like Barca, you cannot concede these chances. The first half was so tough on my players.”

Pochettino said that Spurs’ plans for the first half were ruined by the fact Philippe Coutinho put Barcelona ahead in the second minute. “What happened does not surprise me when we conceded the first goal in the first minute. It was very difficult because when that happens, that sets the game, and we paid for that in the end. What changed the plan was conceding so early. It was emotionally tough for the players, we didn’t feel free to attack, we were frustrated, especially against a team like Barca.”

Pochettino was repeatedly asked about the performance of Messi, who was involved in Barcelona’s first two goals and then scored their third and fourth. But Pochettino was insistent that Messi did not dominate Spurs in the first half, and that Spurs’ mistakes were more decisive. “If you watch the first half again, how many chances did Messi have? Not one. Of course in the second half he was unbelievable, how he runs and dribbles. But come on, move on. It was a handicap to play at 1-0 down against Barca from the first minute.”

This is why Pochettino was so proud of how his players fought back after the break. “The players were heroes to have chances, to be competitive in the second half, and Lucas could have score to make it 3-3,” Pochettino said. “The team did everything, and I feel so proud of the performance.”