Friday, March 29, 2024

United in for Europa League shock – Pochettino

SoccerNews in UEFA Europa League 10 Dec 2015

108 Views

Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino has warned Manchester United they face a shock attempting to juggle Europa League and Premier League commitments.

United were eliminated at the Champions League group stage after they were beaten 3-2 by Group B winners Wolfsburg and PSV saw off CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

Louis van Gaal and Co. are set to compete in the Europa League for the first time since 2011-12 and Pochettino said the Manchester club are in for a culture shock as they prepare for Thursday fixtures.

“It’s a big, big difference,” said Pochettino, whose Tottenham can win their Europa League group if they draw with Monaco on Thursday.

“When you play Thursday and Sunday, it can affect the mentality and the psychology of the players. Thursday night, [long] travel and you need to play Sunday afternoon. Always for the player it affects them.

“Football is [supposed to be] Saturday three o’clock. It will be tough for them.”

Pochettino added: “In Spain, for example, the clubs use the local competition to give players rest and recovery from the Champions League. For us it’s impossible. The Premier League is the toughest competition, this is the reality.

“Last weekend, Liverpool went to Newcastle and lost, Chelsea played Bournemouth and lost, Manchester City lost in Stoke — in Spain that wouldn’t happen.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top