Tottenham win was perfect response to Pochettino criticism – Lloris

Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris said the players were stung by Mauricio Pochettino’s criticism last week but proved a point in Sunday’s home win over Sunderland.
Pochettino accused Spurs of lacking passion and said they must “do more” following Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League.
Lloris told reporters: “We all agreed after the Monaco game — especially the first half — that we need to bring more energy and maybe more passion.”
Pochettino made three changes for Sunderland’s visit, with Mousa Dembele returning, and Spurs responded with a performance that saw them fire in 31 shots and have 73.8 percent possession as the Black Cats were beaten 1-0.
“All the lads are very passionate and love football, but sometimes it doesn’t go in the way you want,” Lloris added.
“The most important thing is how you react, and we showed a good reaction. We need to carry it on.”

Asked whether Pochettino’s comments had hurt, the goalkeeper added: “Yes, but you know it is only the truth. He doesn’t lie to his players, and it was the case after the Monaco game.
“The most important thing is the way you react, and today was a very good signal for the manager, the club and the fans.”
Sunderland had goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 22, to thank for keeping Spurs at bay and Lloris was impressed by his performance.
“I think we can congratulate their keeper — he was amazing today,” he said.
“I prefer that you talk a bit more about his performance because it’s not easy — every game he has to make more than five saves and mentally you can get tired — but today he was amazing.”
But he added that Spurs, who won thanks to Harry Kane’s close-range strike, “need to be more clinical.”
Spurs lost Kane, Dembele and Eric Dier to injuries during the match and while Pochettino said the midfield duo would be fine after feeling cramp, he voiced fears that Kane had damaged his ankle ligaments.
The England striker, who will be assessed on Monday after being stretched off three minutes from time, left the stadium on crutches, wearing a protective boot.
Lloris said: “We just hope it is not too bad. It is true that if you look at the images, we can be a bit worried, but all the medical staff are going to try to bring him back as quick as possible. We need to wait for the diagnostics.”