Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says his struggling side can thrive on criticism over their patchy form, admitting the team have not yet learned the winning habit of teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Spurs laboured to a 1-1 draw at Watford on Saturday, their fourth Premier League match in a row without a victory, and are a 18 points off behind leaders Manchester City.
But despite just two points from a possible 12, Pochettino remains adamant Spurs will emerge stronger for their struggles.
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"We want to avoid bad moments and periods but we are not still this type of team like Barcelona, Real Madrid that can maybe keep winning and winning for long periods," Pochettino said ahead of Tottenham's final Champions League group game against Apoel Nicosia on Wednesday.
"We're completely different, we're not in the last stage (of our development). So we need to use these experiences to improve, to learn, to get more experience."
🗣️ We caught up with Mauricio to get his thoughts after yesterday's draw at Vicarage Road. #COYS pic.twitter.com/49u63znIMa
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 3, 2017
In contrast to their struggles in the Premier League, Spurs have topped their Uefa Champions League group, finishing ahead of European Champions Real Madrid with one match still to play.
"When people criticise us, my staff and my team, that always makes you stronger, and sometimes that's good," Pochettino said.
🗣️ Sonny: "Of course it's tough times, but we need to keep together - we are one team with the fans." #COYS pic.twitter.com/HqYn1TXa4B
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 3, 2017
"We have maybe three points less than this time last season, and we've finished top of our Champions League group.
"Manchester City have created a gap, but I'm sure the team will improve and take many lessons from this run."
