Pochettino puts arm round Adebayor

Mauricio Pochettino expects Tottenham supporters to welcome Emmanuel Adebayor back to White Hart Lane on Saturday despite his criticism of the atmosphere following his most recent match.

The Togo striker has returned from compassionate leave but is not yet fully fit, so is unlikely to start for Pochettino against Burnley in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash.

Pochettino thinks Adebayor’s suggestion that it was better playing away from home following the loss to Stoke will have been forgiven and forgotten by Spurs fans.

“The fans love good players,” Pochettino said. “Ade is a fantastic player. I think this is not a big problem.

“In football the mood changes quickly. When you have lost you are upset, our fans are upset, the players are upset and I was upset.

“After I think we have only one objective and that is to take Tottenham as high as possible.

“I think this is in the past. I understand this is a hard moment but I think we forget this situation.”

Pochettino insists he has a strong relationship with enigmatic striker Adebayor, who has troubled numerous managers in his career.

“I have a very good relationship with him from the beginning,” Pochettino said.

“He understands football and that this is a business and a game.

“He is more clever and we are clever too. My relationship with him has always been very natural and when I need to speak to him I do so.

“When he needs to come to see me in my office he does so. It’s a natural relationship.

“I have full respect for him because he’s a great player, a great talent but now it’s a moment and I need to stay with him and give him the space.

“It’s not a nice moment for him and my job is to help him too.”

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