My Players Are Focused On Recovering From The Juventus Defeat – Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino has said Harry Kane has been too upset by Wednesday’s Champions League elimination to have considered his future.

“Harry is so disappointed after Wednesday,” Pochettino told Sky Sports. “You think he has time to talk with me about the future? That’s impossible. No-one can believe this situation.

“The players were so focused on beating Juventus, now they’re so focused on recovering and being ready again. We’re in a position in the table when you need to care, win points and achieve the top four.

Pochettino added: “There are a lot of rumours in football. I need to tell you and everyone that it doesn’t affect me. You need to listen and live with these rumours — they’re part of football. The most important thing is to ensure the rumours don’t affect us, the team and the club.

“In all our decisions, the media rumours never affect our decisions for the future. I cannot say nothing about rumours. Always it’s about rumours. A thousand rumours about everyone. If not, you’ll be mad explaining every single situation. It’s not going to help anyone.”

Pochettino insisted it was Southgate’s decision but said Kane and Spurs midfielder Eric Dier has the qualities to take the armband on a permanent basis.

“Yes, he, Eric Dier — the last captain for England — they have capacity and quality to be a leader, the captain, of course,” Pochettino said. “It’s not my decision.”