Manchester City vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino pleased with Christian Eriksen this season despite national team criticism

Denmark manager Morten Olsen accused Eriksen of lacking impact during the recent defeat to Portugal but Pochettino has defender the 22-year-old

Christian Eriksen (Getty Images)

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted he is happy with Christian Eriksen after Denmark manager Morten Olsen's stinging criticism of the playmaker.

Olsen accused Eriksen of lacking impact on the field following the Euro 2016 qualifying loss to Portugal, but Pochettino has no such concerns.

"It's his (Olsen's) problem, not my problem," Pochettino said.

"My problem is to keep my players at a good level.

"I am very happy with Christian Eriksen. He's a very good professional. His commitment with the team, with the club, is full.

"I think he's consistent and I'm happy with his performances this season."

Eriksen scored the winner in Tottenham's most recent match, the 1-0 win over Pochettino's former club Southampton, which sends Spurs to Manchester City in optimistic mood.

Pochettino places no significance on last season's heavy defeats to City as he prepares to take his side to the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs lost 6-0 and 5-1 to Premier League champions City last term under Pochettino's predecessors Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood, but the Argentinian has wiped those results from his memory.

"The reality is I don't remember the results," Pochettino said.

"This is another season, another philosophy, another game and we need to arrive on Saturday with the idea to believe in our philosophy and style and try to get the points.

"It's history and it's a different game, different players.

"It's not important now to think in the past. It's important to look forward.

"I don't have any concerns about these results."

Spurs are unbeaten away from home this term, while City have won one and drawn one of their three games at the Etihad so far.

Pochettino travels with optimism.

He added: "We arrive in a good moment. After our victory against Southampton we need to keep the momentum, to reproduce the same actions and to try to get the three points."

Former City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has scored just one goal in the Premier League this term, but Pochettino is satisfied with his leading striker.

"I am very happy with his performances," the Spurs boss added.

"It's difficult when the striker doesn't score, but we have full confidence in him."

Togo striker Adebayor and Algeria midfielder Nabil Bentaleb are still to return from international duty for assessment, but Pochettino has fitness concerns over a number of other players.

Eriksen was criticised by his national team manager Morten Olsen

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (thigh) and midfielder Nacer Chadli (hip) missed matches for France and Belgium, respectively, during the international break and late decisions will be made on their participation at City.

"Hugo arrived and was good, but we need to analyse and do tests," Pochettino added.

"We have another day to decide. We need all players to be fit."

United States right-back DeAndre Yedlin, who agreed to move to White Hart Lane from Seattle Sounders in the summer, could move to London in January, depending on Kyle Walker's recovery from an abdominal injury.

"We need to know how Walker is recovering to decide (on Yedlin)," Pochettino added.

"One option is maybe in January (to) bring him here."

PA