TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino was left stunned by a journalist’s claim that Tanguy Ndombele “made a big difference” when he came on against Liverpool.
The 65million French midfielder came into the game on 63 minutes replacing Harry Winks with the score at 1-1.
But just 12 minutes later Mo Salah netted what turned out to be the winner for Liverpool to move them six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
In the post-match press conference it was put to Poch that Ndombele “made a big difference” when he replaced Winks.
The boss replied: “Big difference? Doing what?”
The reporter then highlighted the 22-year-old’s passing as being impressive in the second half and asked whether he will be starting more games.
Pochettino replied: “Yes but in this time the game was different no? I think be careful how we assess.
“I was talking to some of your colleagues before the game. With 29 players in the squad it’s so important to rotate and keep them all motivated to play.
“He played on Tuesday in the Champions League and I think Harry Winks was fresh to play.”
ALLI SLAMMED BY KEANE
While Pochettino didn’t seem TOO impressed with Ndombele, one of his fellow midfielder’s came in for some fierce criticism.
Former Manchester United man Roy Keane, speaking on Sky Sports after the game, slammed Dele Alli calling him “non-existent”.
Fellow pundits Graeme Souness and Jamie Carragher were also disappointed by the Englishman’s showing.
But it was ex-United manKeanewho went in the hardest.
Speaking after the game he said: “Very very poor.
“He’s a great example to a lot of footballers out there if you lose your hunger.
“Spurswere carrying three of four players. He’s lost that hunger, today non-existent.”
Second-half goals from Jordan Henderson and Salah cancelled out Harry Kane‘s early header to give the League leadersall three points.
