Pochettino concerned about Eriksen's future

Spurs manager believes midfielder’s transfer confusion ‘not a good situation’


Afp August 24, 2019
AWAY FROM ENGLAND: Eriksen is holding out for a move to a top European club, having reportedly turned down the chance to join Manchester United. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON/ BIRMINGHAM: Mauricio Pochettino admits he is concerned that Christian Eriksen's future at Tottenham is still to be resolved ahead of the European transfer deadline.

Eriksen is out of contract at the end of the season and said at the start of the summer that he was looking for a fresh challenge away from the Premier League side.

The Denmark midfielder is holding out for a move to a top European club, having reportedly turned down the chance to join Manchester United.

But Eriksen would be available on a free transfer next year and with less than 10 days to go before the September 2 window shuts, there is no sign of him signing a new contract or being sold.

Pochettino knows a business decision may prevail over a football one if Tottenham finally get a good offer and that is potentially distracting for the player in the mean time.

"Of course it is not a good situation," Pochettino said ahead of Sunday's clash with Newcastle.

"It is not what I think the club or the player expected it to be. A difficult situation for both sides.

"Yesterday, I was talking with (chairman) Daniel (Levy) and he recognised (that) it's not a good place, (for) teams like us, clubs like us.

"But always I am open to help the club and to help the decision of Daniel. Of course my door is always open for him to come and to ask or to help in the decision.

"I know really well that decisions like this are not easy but I always try to be in the position to take the best benefit for the club.

"And of course for the player too, because it's two interests, we can not be on one side or the other. The most important thing is to try to take the best decision for both sides."

Pochettino started Eriksen on the bench for their season opener against Aston Villa, but he returned for the draw at champions Manchester City.

The Tottenham manager has been impressed with Eriksen's focus so far.

"I always tell the player to not be affected by the rumours," he added.

"In this situation, there is nothing to say, because still we have one more year on his contract.

Wesley inspires Villa to win

Wesley fired Aston Villa to their first Premier League win for over three years as the Brazilian's maiden goal for his new club inspired a 2-0 victory against Everton on Friday.

After losing to Tottenham and Bournemouth in their first two games, Villa finally got their campaign up and running on their return to the top flight after a three-year absence.

Dean Smith's promoted side were already being written off as relegation fodder following their nervous start to the season.

But Wesley's first goal since the forward's £22 million close-season move from Belgian side Club Brugge lifted the mood at Villa Park in the 22nd minute.

Anwar El Ghazi added the second in stoppage-time to ensure Villa were able to celebrate the end of a 15-match winless run in the Premier League dating back to a victory over Norwich in February 2016.

"It was very sweet. It was a hard-earned win. We always looked a threat on the break. To get that goal at the end just capped it off," Smith said. "Our defensive organisation was good. I always thought we would score a second, but I thought it would come a bit earlier. Getting your home results in this league is a important and getting your first one is massive."

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