Mauricio Pochettino was quick to put the Danny Rose interview behind him when claiming it was ‘time to move on’ in today’s press conference ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Newcastle on Sunday.
The full-back’s honest and daring interview with The Sun has been the talk of the football world since it’s release on Thursday morning.
The Englishman discussed unfair wages, prospectively leaving the club and Tottenham’s lack of signings over the Summer transfer window, which closes in just three weeks time.
Many were quick to criticise the defender’s timing of the comments, which came just days before the opening fixtures of the new Premier League season and after months of the 27 year old having not kicked a ball due to an injury sustained in January during Tottenham’s 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Pundits and fans alike were shocked at Rose’s comments, as the left-back explained he’d have ‘no qualms’ over voicing his desire to leave, if a certain club showed proper interest, and that he did not want Spurs to sign players you ‘have to google’.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino however resisted the urge to add further fuel to the fire, opting instead to calmly dismiss the significance of Rose’s remarks. He said:
“I was a player and sometimes after seven months when you don’t play you’re frustrated. For me it’s not a big issue and it’s time to move on. It’s good for him to say that.”
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“Now we start the season at Newcastle. A new season, a new year. It’s time to move on.”
Pochettino hinted many times at the fact that Rose’s injury may have played a part in the left-back’s frustrations, as well as quashing any suggestions that there are any personal issues between him and Rose.
“It’s because he’s in a different place as he’s injured,” He added. “He’s with other players like Trippier and N’Koudou, who are recovering from their problems. We are in different timings and dynamics on the training ground.”
“We are focused on preparing on the game on Sunday. I’m sure I will see him in the afternoon or tomorrow. It’s not a problem.”
Finally, Pochettino reminded everyone that Rose happily signed a new 5 year contract last September and that there is no reason to believe that the Englishman has any desire to leave the club any time soon.
“He signed a 5-yr contract last summer,” He said. “It’s not a problem for me. He’s our player, he needs to be focused to try to be fit.”
“No-one forced me to sign the contract. It’s like for the players. No-one forced the players to sign a new contract.”
Danny Rose will play no part in Tottenham’s opening game against Newcastle on Sunday due to the injury sustained in the 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light in January, and has already released a statement apologising for his comments.
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