Mauricio Pochettino has come under fire from Tottenham Hotspur fans following his comments supporting Moussa Sissoko after his side's 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.
Spurs wrapped up their third consecutive top-four finish in midweek despite fielding a weakened midfield, meaning they will host Champions League football in their new home next term.
The Frenchman, who has been the subject of heavy criticism from the north London supporters this season, was called upon in the middle of the park during the home win due to an injury to Mousa Dembele and the illness of Eric Dier.
Poch needs to do the right thing, swallow his pride and play Toby over Sanchez. We need an extra attacking player on the pitch so can’t afford to start 5 defenders. But you know he’ll play Sanchez and Sissoko over Toby and Lucas
— WHLParkLane (@Craig_Spur) May 8, 2018
And following the victory, while speaking to football.london, Pochettino, whose press conferences have caused a number of stirs lately, hailed Sissoko's display in particular.
“I am so proud about all the players because today for me one of the best was Moussa Sissoko," the Argentine coach said. "I want to say thank you for how professional he was all season. Not too many people recognise him, but I think he was fantastic today.”
After finding out you're on the bench again and then see sissoko getting his kit on ???? full well knowing lamela will come on before u aswell. pic.twitter.com/yGmthA5QRu
— Glen Kelly (@gee_kel8) May 9, 2018
After multiple seasons of endless support, the 46-year-old Tottenham boss has been on the receiving end of growing disgruntlement in recent times from Spurs fans for his stubbornness with tactics and a lack of tangible returns.
And despite featuring 48 times across numerous competitions and positions throughout the season, the Wembley Stadium faithful took to Twitter to once again call their manager out.
Every single Spurs fan has just deactivated their Twitter account ???????????? ....
— Ricky Sacks ???? (@RickSpur) May 9, 2018
Yeah, thank you and goodbye ????
— kosta veziri (@KVeziri) May 9, 2018
Now that worries me...... one of the best was Sissoko?!?!! Awful again and simply not a footballer, especially a spurs one!!!
— Adam Dunne (@daverambo66) May 10, 2018
...just not very good
— Martin Patmore (@MartinPatmore) May 10, 2018
Okay so he is joking or ?
— James Thain (@SpursyLAD) May 9, 2018
Wtf!!! That’s him not being sold then!!! ????????
— james dowse (@Crowded71) May 10, 2018
Now that is funny. ????
— A Falzon Flowers (@AFalzonFlowers) May 9, 2018
- 90Min