MX23RW : Tuesday, February 26 22:28:51

Pochettino blames disappointment of defeat for heated referee exchange

Pochettino blames disappointment of defeat for heated referee exchange
© Reuters
The Tottenham boss could be in hot water after confronting Mike Dean following the 2-1 defeat by Burnley.

Mauricio Pochettino blamed the disappointment of a massive blow to Tottenham's Premier League title chances for his post-match outburst at referee Mike Dean.

As the Spurs boss walked across the Turf Moor pitch following the 2-1 defeat by Burnley, Pochettino became engaged in a lengthy and heated exchange with Dean, who remained calm.

Pochettino's Spanish assistant Jesus Perez jabbed his finger towards the face of Dean while the Argentinian was eventually led away by Burnley defender Phil Bardsley.

Pochettino did not reveal what was said or the reason for the strength of his feelings, with the only really contentious decision appearing to be the award of a corner that led to Chris Wood's opening goal.

"We need to find someone to blame, it is myself and us because we have in our hands the capacity to win the game and we didn't," said Pochettino.

"I said for me this game is going to be key to put pressure on our opponents. If we didn't win, we cannot put pressure and we cannot think now of being a real contender. It is a massive opportunity lost for us.

"When you feel so disappointed and upset, you make some mistakes. We made some mistakes on the pitch and I made some mistakes afterwards on the pitch."

Ashley Barnes scored Burnley's winner against Tottenham
Ashley Barnes scored Burnley's winner against Tottenham (Martin Rickett/PA)

The outburst was out of character for Pochettino, who could now find himself in hot water with the Football Association.

He said: "It is true. One day there were crossed cables inside my brain. It was weird and strange and has not happened before in 10 years.

"Some stupid things happen and you react. I was never out of control but now I need to find the result. We lose the game because of us, not because of excuses. We didn't deserve to win. We shot maybe one more time than Burnley but it is not enough."

Asked if he would apologise to Dean, Pochettino added: "Yes, maybe, good point. Maybe I go."

Victory for Spurs would have seen them close to within two points of Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table, but they could now find themselves eight points behind Jurgen Klopp's side, who face Manchester United on Sunday.

It is a huge week for Spurs, who also face Chelsea and Arsenal, and Pochettino added: "For me, that was the big game.

"Of course we will put pressure on and try and win because we try to fight to the end. Maybe we are heroes winning in Stamford Bridge and beating Arsenal but it is the same feeling when we lose a game to Watford. It is in our hands.

"We can beat Chelsea and Arsenal but, if you want to make history, you must win these kinds of games. It is not about tactics, or selection. You have to come here and fight."

Burnley boss Sean Dyche praised the officials, although he was unhappy with Spurs' equaliser, when Danny Rose took a quick throw from a position well forward of where the ball went out, allowing Harry Kane to break away.

The victory made it eight games unbeaten in the league for Burnley, who provisionally moved six points clear of the relegation zone.

"It is as effective a performance as we have had all season," said Dyche. "We kept asking questions all afternoon. It was very pleasing. The top sides have a way of controlling the game and we didn't allow them control."


Click here for more stories about Mauricio Pochettino

Click here for more stories about Tottenham Hotspur

Share this article now:
Sean Dyche in charge of Burnley on January 19, 2019
Read Next:
Dyche relishing unbeaten run despite ongoing Defour absence
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool27206159154466
2Manchester CityMan City27212474205465
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs27200755272860
4Arsenal27165655371853
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd27157552351752
6Chelsea26155645291650
7Watford2711793935440
8Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28117103535040
9Everton28106123939036
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham27106113540-536
11Leicester CityLeicester28105133439-535
12Bournemouth27104133848-1034
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2887132634-831
14Crystal Palace2786133135-430
15Burnley2886143150-1930
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2776142941-1227
17Cardiff CityCardiff2874172555-3025
18Southampton2759132846-1824
19Fulham2745182661-3517
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2835201550-3514

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account