Pochettino was happy with the second-half comeback that earned his side a point in their opening match of the Premier League season, yet a flat first-half display led to some tough talk from the Argentine at half-time in the visiting dressing room.
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And when asked if he had had strong words with the team at half-time in this game, Pochettino said: “Yes, but this is what happens with all the managers when we are not happy”. We had good team organisation, we put a lot of energy in, and we were very risky up front.
Spurs are next in action when they play host to London rivals Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on Saturday, but it remains to be seen whether their captain will be able to feature in the match.
“It’s Ross’s first goal and this is one of his qualities but what I like from my midfielders and strikers is that they work hard”, Koeman told reporters after the game.
“I think the team was ready, and we showed a lack of energy”, the manager said.
The draw against Tottenham may have been a positive start, but everyone associated with the club will be keen for the team to build on Saturday’s game as new players arrive, injured players return and player’s fitness levels improve.
Tottenham would have secured all three points if not for two marvellous saves from Maarten Stekelenburg late on, but overall Pochettino was pleased with his side’s performance and the result, especially considering they were second-best in the first half, with only Everton’s wastefulness in front of goal stopping them falling further behind.
And for all but five minutes of the first period, they were operating in that mode to both defend a one-goal and attempt to add to it thanks to Barkley’s wickedly-struck free kick. Vincent Janssen brought good energy on the team and he gives us a different option. It was my responsibility too and I tried to change things to change the score and create chances and win the game.
Pochettino cut a frustrated figure on the touchline in a disappointing opening 45 minutes, which included the departure of Lloris, who was taken off shortly after the half-hour mark due to injury. “And after the game, when you have played badly, you have played badly, and you need to be honest – I try to be honest”. “It is normal. We were very close to winning the game”.
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Everton were also without Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lukaku through injury, meaning a Premier League debut for 19-year-old Mason Holgate and a false nine role for Gerard Deulofeu in a 3-5-2 formation.
