Pochettino\'s dream turns sour as Spurs misfire against Ajax

SHOWS: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (APRIL 30, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TOTTENHAM MANAGER, MAURICIO POCHETTINO, SAYING: "I think it's still open.

It's going to be difficult because I think we lost the game.

Now it's about preparing for the second leg and go there and try to win the game.

We only need one result, that is to win.

We want to be in the final." 2.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TOTTENHAM MANAGER, MAURICIO POCHETTINO, SAYING: "I was worried.

It's normal.

You know, because for me the most important thing is the integrity or the health of the player before the game.

And at that moment, whatever the doctor decides is OK.

I'm never going to be involved.

I haven't been involved in the past and I won't be involved in the future.

For me it's always the health of the player before the game.

And from the early moment, they say to me, 'change.'

'change.'

I'm not going to doubt that.

You know, for me, in that type of situation, always the medical staff or the doctor are the boss for the decision.

I only need to listen and hear what they say and take the decision.

I'm never going to debate or put into question the decision made by the medical staff." 3.

POCHETTINO LEAVING NEWS CONFERENCE STORY: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said he was living the dream in the build-up to their Champions League semi-final against Ajax Amsterdam but it must have felt like a nightmare at times against the classy Dutch side on Tuesday (April 30).

His patched-up team were comprehensively outplayed in the first 30 minutes and were fortunate to only concede a 15th minute goal that was coolly converted by Donny van de Beek to give the visitors a 1-0 win and a precious away strike.

With forwards Harry Kane and Son Heung-min unavailable through injury and suspension respectively, Spurs were blunt in attack and they also lacked creativity in midfield as they slumped to their 18th defeat of the season in all competitions.

Pochettino, however, remains hopeful that his side can turn things around next week when his prolific South Korean striker Son will be available again after his suspension.

"I think it's still open.

It's going to be difficult because I think we lost the game.

Now it's about preparing for the second leg and go there and try to win the game.

We only need one result, that is to win.

We want to be in the final," he said after the match.

The Argentine coach was also asked to clarify the situation with former Ajax defender Vertonghen, who needed lengthy treatment to stem the bleeding from a gash on his nose before it appeared he was ready to go back on and continue playing.

The clearly-groggy Belgian international was then helped off the field as it became clear he could not continue.

"I was worried.

It's normal.

You know, because for me the most important thing is the integrity or the health of the player before the game.

And at that moment, whatever the doctor decides is OK.

I'm never going to be involved," Pochettino said.