Tottenham Hotspur travel to Rochdale’s Spotland stadium on Saturday.
Keith Hill has hit back at Mauricio Pochettino after the Tottenham Hotspur manager claimed Rochdale’s pitch was a ‘massive risk’ to players.
Speaking to BBC Sport last week, Pochettino also urged the Football Association to “take a decision” ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Rochdale’s Spotland stadium in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The broadcaster reported, however, that the fixture is unlikely to be moved, and Hill has since told BBC Sport he has been assured the pitch is “going to be good” after work to relay the surface began at the weekend.
Responding to Pochettino’s comments, the Rochdale boss added: “It just seems to me it was an easy punch to hit us with. It was a bit of a low blow because a lot of work went into preparing the pitch and making sure it was playable.
“The pitch wasn’t a risk. There was no injury risk or injury concern to the players on the night.
“With respect to Pochettino, he’s got a right to comment on the pictures that were presented to him. But we are making sure that the playing surface is as perfect as it possibly can be.”
Ahead of Rochdale’s win against Millwall last week, which secured the League One side’s fifth round tie against Tottenham, the previous Spotland surface was likened to a ‘greyhound track’ – among other things.
And it looked no better after the match, following a pitch invasion by a number of home fans.
Before their trip to Lancashire, Tottenham face Juventus at the Italians’ £137 million stadium in Turin.
Was the Tottenham manager right to take issue with Rochdale’s pitch?
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