Mauricio Pochettino claims Kevin Wimmer is still in his plans.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has responded angrily when asked about Kevin Wimmer’s future at the club, as quoted by ESPN.
Spurs drew 0-0 in Germany on Tuesday night as they took on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, with Tottenham standing firm defensively despite the absence of Toby Alderweireld.
Tottenham’s Kevin Wimmer looks dejected
The Belgian star was missing having picked up a knee injury against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, and manager Pochettino chose to use Eric Dier at centre half alongside Jan Vertonghen.
On the bench, 18-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers was available as a backup defender, with Austrian international Wimmer again left out of the squad entirely.
The 23-year-old, who joined Spurs from German side Koln in 2015, played in ten Premier League games last season, filling in admirably whilst Vertonghen was out through injury.
Tottenham’s Kevin Wimmer reacts
However, this season Wimmer has featured just once, and that came in an EFL Cup tie against League One outfit Gillingham, with teenager Carter-Vickers seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order now.
Having been completely left out of Tuesday’s squad, many fans are wondering what the future holds for Wimmer – but they won’t want to ask manager Pochettino about it after he angrily responded to questions on Wimmer’s situation.
As quoted by ESPN, Pochettino suggested that a problem that doesn’t exist has been created with the questioning of Wimmer’s future, and he simply chose the squad he wanted against Leverkusen.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino during a press conference
Pochettino added that Wimmer is in his plans, but was clearly frustrated with the line of questioning as he suggested that no player on the bench deserved to drop out in favour of Wimmer.
“Why are you confused?” asked Pochettino when quizzed about Wimmer’s future. “You are creating an issue that doesn’t exist. You say it’s a big problem for the supporters and media are very concerned. His situation was [he was] out of the 18 players. I need to take a decision about that.”
“Why not?” he added when asked if Wimmer was still in his plans. “When did I tell you he wasn’t in my plans? I’m very honest with you. When a player is not in my plans, I tell you quickly but first I tell the player. He’s in my plans. When I put him on the bench, another player needs to be put out. Tell me which player you would switch with him? That’s your opinion,” he added.
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