Mauricio Pochettino says lack of concentration from Tottenham Hotspur players led to his side’s defeat against Newcastle United at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
The north London club were given an early lead by Emmanuel Adebayor’s first half goal. However, Alan Pardew’s side bounced back just after the start of the second half as Sammy Ameobi equalised in the 46th minute.
It was Ayoze Perez goal which helped Newcastle seal three points as Tottenham suffered their fourth defeat in nine matches.
“I think [there was] a lack of concentration from us and we need to work on our mentality because it’s not tactical or physical, it’s concentration and mentality. It’s impossible to go to the pitch and not be ready to play,” Pochettino said.
“After half-time, within five seconds we concede – it’s true, a stupid goal.”
“It was a shock because it all changed in this minute. Six or seven seconds earlier, all was happy in the stadium with a good energy and our supporters were happy and believing we were going to get a good result.”
“But in this moment I think it was difficult to manage in our head. Our heads [had] gone and we started to take rash decisions on the pitch and it was difficult. At 2-1, it was difficult.”
“This is our challenge to improve. It’s not easy and we need to be more strong and like a team. We need to speak, to create a different situation on the training ground and work. We know how but you need time to work in this area,” Spurs manager added.
The White Hart Lane club made a few changes to their side earlier this summer and with a new manager in place, it is likely to take some time for the team to adjust to Pochettino’s new techniques and training methodology.
Tottenham sit in the second half of the table as they have 11 points after nine games and it should be a matter of Pochettino.
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