Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that winning trophies is only good for the ego and all Tottenham can expect to achieve this season is finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
Pochettino's side have been dumped out of two domestic cup competitions in under a week after losing in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup to Chelsea on Thursday before being beaten in the fourth round of the FA Cup by Crystal Palace last night.
It means that any realistic hope of winning silverware this season has gone, with Tottenham nine points behind Liverpool in the league and facing the difficult task of beating Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 of the Champions League.
Asked whether he and Tottenham needed to win a trophy to be considered successful, Pochettino said: 'We are going to create a debate that to win a trophy is going to help the club. I don't agree with that.
'That only builds your ego. In reality, the most important thing is being consistently in the top four and playing in the Champions League.'
Tottenham's depleted squad were easily turned over by Palace, who went ahead at Selhurst Park through Connor Wickham's tap-in before Andros Townsend scored from the penalty spot. Kieran Trippier's missed penalty only served to heap more misery on Pochettino, who conceded 'this season has been tough'.
'I told you it would be a massive challenge for us, but we believe it'll be a tough season but no tougher than it's been,' he said.
'Of course, disappointed because, after Thursday and today again, out of two competitions. You feel disappointed. You can't feel anything different.'
He added that the main aim now is to qualify for next season's Champions League. 'The realistic targets are trying to be in the top four, try and be close to Manchester City and Liverpool and reduce the gap,' he said.
'To be a contender is always difficult for us. That is realistic. Another is to try and beat Dortmund and be in the next round. That is tough. We are competing against a team who are doing fantastic in Germany, top of the table, and come back off the their holidays. They are all fresh and we are the opposite.'
Palace boss Roy Hodgson praised Wickham, who scored his first goal in 799 days following a long time out with a serious knee injury.
Hodgson said: 'Two years and three months... incredible, isn't it. It's a credit to him.'
Filar
1
Is this top 4 thing a swagger in north London?
ThinleyD
0
Proud of my club. COYS
febakly
0
You sure you can finish in the top 4?
fueaikmrtz
0
why news men always don't want progress of man u,! by always mentioned this coach as one of number one man u target as a coach.is fake rumors we man u not mean it keep your fake news stop ridiculous our greatest club in England. for your information we are discovered our owned son ole is our legend who aready bring back our smiling. he capable to win trophies sure known what we want.
chidesco1
1
In as much as I admire Pochettino as a coach, at a point he'll have to stop these bizzare statement and acknowledge that for spurs, both the top 4 and titles are vital.
Chima92
0
No ambition. Poche is a good manager but he seems to be comfortable with where he is at the moment. i would advise Man Utd to stick with OGS beyond this season. there is no point going after a manager who has no higher aim in his carrier.
Mboy_Swag04
2
Pray hard for top 4
Yorokiri
0
he is sounding like Mr Wenger...
DalladSaeed
0
Shut up and go for better thing than Top Four. Does it lift the Trophy 🏆
Dodcampns
0
It’s funny that he thinks finishing in the top four for champions league is enough. You can’t even win the champions league yet alone a small FA cup trophy. Embarrassing type of manager. How does this club have fans?
Pucknprsty
0
this kind of coach Manchester United want to be their manager
cinlnrtuz
2
pray even hard for the top 4
tucailprt
1
Pochettino is moving the Arsene Wenger way! But remember, the season u don't get Top 4, hell will be let lose on you.
Upwardly2015
2
Pochettino: In reality, the most important thing is being consistently in the top four and playing in the Champions League. Me: Top 4 ambition to be able to play in the Champions League is not enough! There's need to win trophies. What makes a Champion is results, not participation.
radcdlno
0
some will still tip him to take united job ...oooh no we need a winning coach mentality
Ghostwriter
1
Tottenham right now.. they just aim for four place every year
Joshinoe
0
Wenger once said the top 4 is a worthy trophy in England, they called him a specialist in failure. Yet he had won almost all the trophies in English football. Top 4 is important to the club but the medals is the only prove of a successful football career to the players.
ChidiebereIkeobi
0
Winning Trophies is a major Confidence booster for teams. To think that consistently featuring in the Champions League is sufficient is absolutely absurd. It also shows that he really is not ambitious at all. We don't such a coach at Manchester United.
Emibro
2
mourinho was right, Pochettino mentality will only change once he win trophies
Emibro
0
well I think Arsenal have drawn Tottenham Hotspur into the hell of North London teams that values survival and top 4 to winning trophies😂😂😂
Don Great
0
Poch cheer up, top four will be your trophy
gamemasterutd
1
Poch you need to quit spurs nowl
Nexis Junior
1
No top coach will say dat... Trophies do matter... U need money poch but spurs don't wanna spend.. Why stay there.. They won't win anything and not sure spurs will finish top four
rieckoptuy
2
Posh is becoming a bad loser......Ego? I can see he is out of words.
nanaopo
2
bad comments you need to fight for everything