Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino believes it is unfair that Ajax have extra time to prepare for their Champions League semi-final first-leg clash on Tuesday.
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The KNVB have postponed this weekends Eredivisie action due to their inability to move Ajax’s clash with De Graafschap, which was due to take place on Sunday, two days before their Champions League first-leg in London.
The KNVB had originally wanted to move the game to Friday evening, but due to security fears that wasn’t possible.
Tottenham will play West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime and their boss Mauricio Pochettino isn’t happy that Ajax have more time to prepare than them.
He told his press conference on Friday, “I know the Premier League and FA have tried to help but it’s true, the Premier League is completely different to the Dutch league. Football in Europe is completely different to England.
“The reality is they are going to have more time to prepare and avoid risk. When you play Saturday and Tuesday, and the game on Saturday is a derby, playing for big things, the concentration and effort is massive. You can have some problems.
“The fact is I think it’s not fair. If it was the opposite where we had one week to prepare for the semi-final and Ajax play Saturday, I would think the same, that it’s not fair for them.
“I don’t want to create a debate. The fact is, playing a Champions League semi-final, both teams must have the same time to prepare.”
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He can object all he wants, but neither the EPL nor the UCL can control Dutch fixture dates, only the KNVB can do that. not sure it’s really that big of an advantage anyway. Ajax bested Juve away when the resting situation was reversed.
Maybe Poccettino should rest his starters at the weekend instead of complaining. He is playing West Sham, he probably won’t need them anyway.
I think it’s a sign that he fears the outcome of the match,Ajax don’t rest players but prepares adequately for any encounter be it UCL or Eredivisie.
Life isn’t fair but you deeal wkith your hand, sometimes you get some Aces. It’s a pity that we need so many more security efforts but that is also the reality of today. They are professionals things hapen, injuries, matches postponed… Pity he had to mention it, It will make a victory by Ajax if they win have just a slightly sour taste because of his remark.
It’s not fair Tottenham have a budget 10 times ajax either,cry me a river.
Would he offer to play an extra game if the shoe was on the other foot?