Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has apologised on behalf of his players following the club’s pre-season game against Manchester United.
It was a feisty affair between the Premier League sides in Shanghai.
“I was a little bit annoyed about some situations,” Pochettino said in a press conference.
“I was not happy. It was a friendly game and in some situations of course when you are tired, when it’s so hot, you are not right with the tempo to arrive at the actions, sometimes you arrive late and something can happen.
“I apologise on behalf of our players to Manchester United, I think in the second half they made it to us, but then it’s football.
“It wasn’t their intention, but sometimes when you are tired you arrive late and some things can happen and I was worried because in this period of preparation, it is sometimes you need to be aggressive and you need to play with passion, but sometimes the focus is to build your fitness and develop the way you want to play.
“I was a little bit worried, but in the second half, the game was a bit more relaxed.”
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also spoke about the incident, but was more impressed with how James reacted to the challenge.
“Of course, we want them to be looked after. But it’s a man’s sport, we can’t lose tackling in football as long as you tackle fairly.” he said in the press conference.
“Dan is so quick and it’s not easy to time tackles against him. I can understand why players mistime tackles against him and he’s a brave little boy and he jumps.
“He’s taken a few knocks over the tour but, as an old man, I like to see tackles. There’s no rolling about, or diving. If he stays down he’s injured but he gets up when he’s just hurt. There’s a difference between being hurt and injured.”
United’s new signing Daniel James has certainly impressed this summer.
The 21-year-old has reportedly dominated his teammates in every pre-season fitness test, and has also maxed out the bleep tests according to reports via The Mirror.
Solskjaer is delighted to have James in his squad ahead of the new season.
“Daniel is an exciting young winger with lots of skills, vision, exceptional pace and a good work ethic.” he said.
“He had a great season with Swansea City and has all the attributes needed to become a Manchester United player,” he said after securing his services on a five-year contract.
“We are delighted he has signed with our club and we are all looking forward to working with him. This is the perfect environment for Daniel to continue his development.”
sportbible.com
