Dele Alli tells Steven Gerrard what he "loves" about Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino
Posted Wednesday, May 02, 2018 by squawka.com
England midfielder Dele Alli has told Steven Gerrard what he loves about Mauricio Pochettino and what he thinks of Tottenham following their ultimately disappointing end to the season.
Alli, 22, also explained how he is unsure how the club can improve, although he does suggest they are heading in the right direction.
On Pochettino – who signed the player from MK Dons in 2015 for £5m – Alli told Gerrard on BT Sport, (via Daily Mail): "I think from the outside everyone can see what he's done with the club and the players.
"As a player you don't need any more confidence than having a manager that puts all in his trust in you and he'll tell you the truth.
"He's pulled me a few times to speak to me about my game but he'll catch it early – he'll see it before you see it in regards to having a dip in form or if you're not doing something right. That's one of the main things that I respect and love about him."
The England international also reflected on the development of Spurs under the guidance of the Argentine tactician.
"I think from the outside everyone can see what he's done with the club and the players," Alli said.
"Everyone can see where the club is heading and I think people forget that last season we finished second and the season before third but we were so close from winning the title.
"Growing up I always remember Tottenham being a fifth/sixth place finishing team and that's changed.
"It's difficult to say what the next step is but we're all fighting for the same thing.
"We're frustrated but it's about putting it in the right way. We're a team full of players that want to win things, we've got a manager that wants to win things and the club wants to win things."
Alli remains focused on football
Alli had been the subject of much criticism this term after failing to replicate his goalscoring form from last season, with the attacking midfielder netting only half as many Premier League goals to his previous campaign.
Despite this, the 22-year-old insists his focus remains purely on football and self-improvement as a player
He continued: "Every player is different and everyone handles the criticism differently. I think it can really get to some people and affect them but I believe it's all about what your focus is and what your focus is on.
"Mine is purely on my football and trying to be the best player that I can be. Anything else that others say to me – except the manager, family and people around you – I don't pay attention to."
The 22-year-old appears to have taken well to criticism, as he has now scored four goals in five matches, including the second-half brace against London rivals Chelsea last month.
Spurs next take on West Brom on 5 May at The Hawthorns.
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