Mauricio Pochettino has played down the chances of Tottenham strengthening their squad with new signings in January.
Spurs ended their self-imposed two-window transfer ban earlier this year to add Tanguy Ndombele, Ryan Sessegnon and Giovani Lo Celso to Pochettino’s first-team squad, with Jack Clarke also signing before being sent back to Leeds on loan.
Despite the reinforcements, Tottenham have struggled on the pitch and currently sit 9th in the Premier League after winning only three of their eight league games so far.
They were also knocked out the Carabao Cup by Colchester and were thrashed 7-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League earlier this month.
Given Spurs‘ struggles, it was expected Pochettino would use the January transfer window to further strengthen his squad for the second half of the campaign.
However, this does not appear to be the case with the Argentine telling a press conference new signings are unlikely.
“I don’t believe so,” Pochettino replied when asked if Spurs will bring in new recruits. “I believe in the players that we have at Tottenham today.
“If it’s my decision I will stick with my players. They have the quality. We have great quality to fight for the things we expect to fight for.”
LIVE on talkSPORT
Check out all the live commentaries coming up across the talkSPORT network this week
- Cardiff vs Sheffield Wednesday (Friday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Everton vs West Ham (Saturday, 12:30pm) – talkSPORT
- Blackburn vs Huddersfield (Saturday, 12:30pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Tottenham vs Watford (Saturday, 3pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Crystal Palace vs Man City (Saturday, 5:30pm) – talkSPORT
- Wigan vs Nottingham Forest (Sunday, 2pm) – talkSPORT 2
Two of the summer signings, Lo Celso and Sessegnon, have had a limited impact on the first-team due to injury, though it was confirmed on Thursday the duo are back in full training.
It is unlikely they will feature in Saturday’s clash against Watford – which is LIVE on talkSPORT 2 – however, as they work to get up to speed with the rest of the team.
Pochettino discussed much more ahead of the visit of Watford, and you can read the best bits, below…
On Harry Kane’s actions as England captain during recent racism incidents
“The way Harry behaved was top, the way he handled the situation on Monday was exemplary; he showed calm and followed the rules. We’re so proud of how he behaved.
“But of course when you’re on the touchline you need to understand the players always have rights and it’s difficult to be in their position, know how they feel when they suffer abuse like this. That’s why I will always support my players.
“Harry handled everything perfectly, I want to congratulate him. He was calm, the situation was always under control. He showed great maturity in these situations which are not always easy to manage.”
On Kane being Tottenham captain until Hugo Lloris is back from injury
“He’s become a natural leader. He’s great. His commitment, not only for Tottenham, but the national team. It’s fantastic for England and Tottenham.
“We will miss Hugo for a few months and to have Harry to step up is important, like others who are important and mature. They will step up and handle problems when they happen like this.
“It’s good to see how he behaved and of course he showed great maturity.”
On Tottenham’s recent struggles
“In this type of situation the most important thing is to be all together and show a strong face to the problems. Face the problems and talk a lot because the most important thing is that players feel support and trust from the manager.
“That belief is important.
“I trust 200 per cent in them and believe that they have the capacity and potential to win the games and turn this situation around. This type of situation happens at all clubs sooner or later.
“We have confidence that we have the quality. Only a matter of time to make things clear. We need to help them perform because they are the principal actors on the pitch who will provide the victories.”
On possibly making big changes to his team this weekend
“I am going to act naturally. I am the first who is interested in winning games, but we look at what we need to do. We try to find a way to help them. It’s not about selection, not about the names, it’s about collective behaviour and performance. It’s not about changing this chair for a sofa and move the table to another place because in the end we are the same. Most important now is to help them.
“What happened happened. The most important thing to provide calm. They are calm, they feel our support, from the coaching staff and the club and the fans, that they’re going to be there. Now is the moment to stay together and trust in my decision. I will try to take the best decisions to win.”
Saturday is GameDay on talkSPORT as we bring you THREE live Premier League commentaries across our network, including Tottenham vs Watford at 3pm
