Mauricio Pochettino has said he will speak to Dele Alli about keeping a careful eye on his fingers as he prepares to go face-to-face with referee Clement Turpin for the first time since risking a World Cup ban.
The French official takes charge of our Champions League Group H clash against Borussia Dortmund tonight and according to The Telegraph Pochettino does not want Alli to take any more chances with the official, having only just returned from a European suspension.
At the time Alli was forced to argue that he had not aimed his one fingered salute at Turpin during England’s victory over Slovakia in September.
According to the article had the 21-year-old been found guilty he would have almost certainly been banned for one or two of England’s World Cup group games however Fifa accepted Alli’s explanation that he had gesticulated at England team-mate Kyle Walker but still handed down a one-match international suspension and a £3,800 fine.
Alli only returned from his European ban for a red card in last season’s Europa League in Tottenham’s last Champions League victory over Real Madrid that secured qualification into the knock-out stage of the competition and Pochettino does not want to lose him again.
The article adds that Pochettino was asked about the prospect of Alli’s first meeting with Turpin, Pochettino said: “Thank you for telling me because I didn’t know. It’s important to be aware. I will tell Dele to be careful if he plays. Always it’s important.
Pochettino added “The referee moves on and I’m sure nothing is in his mind to ban him for that situation. But this is always good to know. I will tell Dele.”
Pochettino confirmed that he will rotate some players on Tuesday night, which could see Harry Kane given a rest and it also sees Danny Rose in line for a recall after being omitted from the match-day squad to face Arsenal.
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“Danny Rose is doing well,” said Pochettino. “The training session on Saturday was tough for him and he will train with the group and then I will decide if he plays (against Dortmund) or not. If you ask about problems, no, there is no issue with him.
“We only rest players who need to rest for different reasons. Always what’s best for them and the team. I hope not too many rest because it’s a Champions League game and we want to win and it’s better to win than to wait for APOEL.
He also added “The objective was to qualify and we achieved that but it’s important to finish first if we can., We only rest players who need to rest for different reasons. Always what’s best for them and the team. I hope not too many rest because it’s a Champions League game and we want to win and it’s better to win than to wait for APOEL.
“The objective was to qualify and we achieved that but it’s important to finish first if we can.”
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