Home » Frustration: Poch Hints At Continued Slow Integration Of Lo Celso

Frustration: Poch Hints At Continued Slow Integration Of Lo Celso

By Joe Fish -

Mauricio Pochettino was happy that Giovani Lo Celso enjoyed a “very good” full Tottenham Hotspur debut in last night’s 4-0 win over Red Star Belgrade.

The summer signing from Real Betis finally made his first start for Spurs, after six brief cameos off the bench, and marked it with the opening goal.

Spurs fans have been waiting patiently for a decent look at the 23-year-old who has spent most of his time with the club so far sideliend with injury, and would have been impressed with the Argentine’s all-round game.

Pochettino also seemed pleased at his post-match press conference, but did, again, heed a warning of patience with Lo Celso and the other new boys.

MORE: Latest Poch Quotes On Eriksen Ask More Questions Than They Answer

Football London quotes him as saying: “I think it was very good [Lo Celso’s performance]. Always it’s difficult for a new player when he arrives, and after the team was very successful last season. He arrived at the end of the pre-season. The circumstances were that he was behind everyone, got injured with the national team and then it was about building his fitness and his confidence, and then waiting for the opportunity to be in the starting XI and feel the opportunity.

“I am happy because he is a very good player and his personality and character is great. Now he only needs time like Tanguy [Ndombele] and Ryan Sessegnon. They are so young. They arrive now to the team in difficult circumstances, not the best circumstances. That is why like I tell you always I don’t expect too much, I am happy with that they provide to the team. They need time. I am happy with the players.”

Poch’s words indicate that Lo Celso is going to get the same treatment as Tanguy Ndombele, who has been in and out of the team in his debut season, starting six Premier League games and being a substitute for three others. Lo Celso may be integrated slower than that because of his injury and the greater competition for places in the attacking midfield positions.

I’d expect Lo Celso to be rotated with Christian Eriksen, also a scorer last night, until January when the Dane’suncertain future may be resolved.

We’ve seen before, as recently as after the first meeting with Red Star, that Poch ignores the temptation to stick with a winning team in favour of rotation so Lo Celso will likely be back on the bench for Saturday’s visit of Sheffield United – our last fixture before another international break.

It is frustrating – for us and the player – but that is the way Poch works.

Tags Giovani Lo Celso Mauricio Pochettino NewsNow
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Steve KillerCushion Williams
Steve KillerCushion Williams
4 years ago

The rotation that poch is doing barely works with a full illustrious squad like man citys… Its much better to play your winning team or best team week in week out against the majority of opposition.. Then rotate maybe tinker in the league cup or against poorer opposition… All the legendary winning teams like manure and madrid never rotated every game like a crazy roundabout… As a player you want to play every week, in all the big games, and you want familiarity around you.. To gain serious momentum and confidence poch has to find his favoured first 11 and play them.. Kane lloris and sissoko dont seem to be rotated but for everyone else it must be frustrating as ****.. Must admit i loved harry reddknapp for always playing his best, or any lad on form… Lucas scoring that hatrick and then dropped (rotated) for that final was ludicrous.

Eddie
Eddie
4 years ago

You have to question Poch’s logic.
Bearing in mind the quality of last night’s opposition,the combination of Lo Celso and N”Dombele in our midfield looked very promising.
We need to start picking up wins in the league and those two appear to be the best pairing available to us by a country mile.
Eriksen’s scuffed goal doesn’t warrent him a start nor did Dele’s performance.He spoke just recently about getting his game back to previous levels,but i see no sign of that.
I think Poch could do worse than start the same team against Sheff.Utd.Then comes another annoying International break.

Tappaspur
Tappaspur
4 years ago

Tax payers. Let’s go on strike for a week (it’s all the rage😁) Rich people cover your poor neighbors. No money into the treasury for a week. Ef dem😂

Tappaspur
Tappaspur
4 years ago

If celly was a Haringey player we’d have a song for him already Up the spuringey.

Tappaspur
Tappaspur
4 years ago

Oh come on that wasn’t swearing. Allow me to retaught. I know “one swallow doesn’t make a dirty female dog” but we’re looking better

Tappaspur
Tappaspur
4 years ago

I know “one swallow doesn’t make a dirty bitch” but we’re looking better. COYS

Tappaspur
Tappaspur
4 years ago

Morning happy spurs fans (the faithful) have a good day. We know it’s coming 2020 and beyond

JimmyGrievance
JimmyGrievance
4 years ago

Worst part of last night is Eriksen scoring and in doing so securing his place for the W’end.

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