Friday 30 January 2015 14:47, UK
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has criticised Tottenham's fixture congestion in the build-up to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley on March 1.
Pochettino is delighted to have a fully-fit squad for Saturday's trip to West Brom following their edgy win over Sheffield United in midweek to book a Wembley date against Chelsea.
His team, though, will have to play four games in 11 days before the final, a period which sees them play a Europa League tie against Fiorentina in Florence less than 72 hours before they face their London rivals.
Chelsea will go into the final having had seven days rest after a league fixture against Burnley.
"I think it's not fair to play in Florence on Thursday and play a final on Sunday," Pochettino said.
"Chelsea play Burnley on the Saturday and then they have a clean week to prepare for the final. It is not fair but then we have to understand this is the competition. We are in the Europa League, the Capital One final and the Premier League.
"We need to understand that that's football. It is not the best situation, but we need to prepare every game like a final because we have important games in the mean time.
"It is no problem. We are strong. We believe in our way and will be sure to be ready for the final. Maybe if Chelsea were in my position now they would be complaining about the situation.
"We need to play a different game because we have a very tough game against Arsenal and then Fiorentina here, then West Ham and Florence after that. Then the final. It is football, we need to accept that and be ready for every
game."
There are a lot of rumours. So far it's all rumours and I never comment on rumours
Asked if Spurs were likely to be busy before Monday's transfer deadline, Pochettino added: "I am really happy with my squad. I think there is not many movements happening. I believe there will not be too many activities, but in football you never know.
"I do not expect much activity before the deadline. This is the transfer window, and football, so you never know and we are open to improving the squad. As I said before, I am very happy with my squad."
One player whose future at White Hart Lane continues to be the subject of media scrutiny is Aaron Lennon.
Sky Sports News HQ reported two weeks ago that the 27-year-old England winger, who has struggled to break into the first team under Pochettino this season, could be on his way out if the deal was right for the player and club.
Pochettino refused to be drawn into a conversation about a Lennon departure and said: "There are a lot of rumours. So far it's all rumours and I never comment on rumours."
