Mauricio Pochettino dismissed concerns about Dele Alli’s form and insisted the Tottenham star needs to play his way out of his current slump. The Tottenham boss admitted he needs to ‘help’ the midfielder rediscover his form, but refused to criticise Alli after another anonymous display on Saturday. Manchester City thumped Spurs 4-1 at the weekend and Alli’s biggest contribution in the loss was a stamp on Kevin De Bruyne.
It was a dangerous tackle and Alli was lucky to not be given his marching orders after Manchester United’s Paul Pogba was previously sent off for a similar challenge. But, Pochettino did not want to speak at length about Alli’s temperament or form, but admitted it was down to him to help his young star.
‘I’m going to say what I need to do and try to help him and help everyone.’ Tottenham play high-flying Burnley on Saturday as Spurs look to get back to winning ways.
Spurs are three points behind fourth-place side Liverpool and a point behind Burnley, who sit above them in sixth. United fans hit out at the FA and referee Craig Pawson after Alli avoided a red card for the challenge on De Bruyne. Alli was also guilty of another nasty tackle on Ilkay Gundogan earlier in the game. The England international has scored just three times in the league this season and provided three assists.
(Metro London)
