Tottenham stadium update: Mauricio Pochettino ‘disappointed’ by Spurs’ failure to complete new ground on time

The Spurs manager proposed playing Tottenham’s as-yet-homeless fixture against Manchester City on 28 October the day after the NFL is staged at Wembley

Tottenham Hotspur’s failure to complete their new stadium in time for the Premier League clash with Liverpool next month has left manager Mauricio Pochettino "disappointed" for everyone associated with the club, he said on Thursday.

Their home game on Saturday against Fulham was meant to be the only match they will play at Wembley, but the club has backtracked and recently announced that home games against Liverpool (15 September), which was meant the be the curtain raiser at White Hart Lane, and Cardiff City (6 October) will also be played at Wembley Stadium due to problems with “critical safety systems” at their new home.

Their fourth home game is against Manchester City on 28 October and has been moved to Sunday for broadcasting reasons, which means that they cannot use Wembley if the new venue is not ready because an NFL match is already being played there.

The Rugby Football Union ruled out Twickenham and City have rejected an approach to reverse the tie, which has left Pochettino frustrated with the developments.

“We all feel disappointed with the announcement from the club,” said Pochettino ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham. “I feel so sorry for myself, for our fans, players, everyone. The chairman tried with the board to arrive on time, it’s a massive effort, and that we cannot deliver for the Liverpool game is a massive disappointment for everyone.”

Pochettino is 'disappointed' not to move into the new stadium on time (Reuters)

Pochettino also waded in on the debate about where to play the City game, with the Premier League keen to keep games on their scheduled weekend, and suggested Spurs may have to play on a downtrodden Wembley pitch after the NFL.

“At the moment I cannot say we are not going to play this game in our new stadium. I’m very transparent and honest with you. I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said when pushed about a venue.

“Three stadiums in one season would be too much, we might have to find a way to play at Wembley, if that’s the day after the NFL, maybe the pitch is not in the best condition but we have to find a way.”

Spurs initially struggled at Wembley last season, and Pochettino has urged fans to continue their support to ensure off the field issues do not negatively impact results.

“We need to be all together," he added. "Our fans understand it’s a massive, huge project that will be forever for them and for the club and it’s not possible for different things that happen, it’s not in our hands. The most import thing is to be positive.

“I understand the problems with tickets and money and I feel sorry for them. I want to say sorry, but we will try to reward them by winning games.”

Moving pains

How Tottenham's plans have changed

27 August, Test Event: Cancelled
1 September, Test Event: Cancelled
8 September, vs Fulham: Scheduled at Wembley
15 September, vs Liverpool: Moved to Wembley
6 October, vs Cardiff: Moved to Wembley
28 October, Seattle Seahawks vs Oakland Raiders at Wembley
28 October, vs Manchester City: Location to be confirmed

Tottenham return to Wembley this Saturday with the visit of Fulham after beating Newcastle 2-1 in their opening game of the Premier League season, and will continue to be without Victor Wanyama, who remains the only significant first team injury as Erik Lamela and Harry Winks have returned to training.