Football

Tottenham formation: Mauricio Pochettino hails 'flexibility' between systems ahead of Premier League trip to Swansea | London Evening Standard

Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Tottenham's formation "flexibility" ahead of tonight's Premier League clash with Swansea.

Tottenham formation: Mauricio Pochettino hails 'flexibility' between systems ahead of Premier League trip to Swansea | London Evening Standard
Mauricio Pochettino proud of Tottenham's formation flexibility - 'We have different ways to play'

Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Tottenham's formation "flexibility" ahead of tonight's Premier League clash with Swansea.

Spurs are riding high in the Premier League table, having thrived in a 3-5-2 formation in recent weeks.

But the north Londoners were forced into a reshuffle during their victory over Burnley, with midfielder Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama both forced off through injury.

Pochettino opted to deploy his team in a 4-2-3-1 system for the second half at Turf Moor, giving Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier an opportunity to re-establish the midfield partnership that was so successful last season.

Spurs are now capable of switching between systems seamlessly and Pochettino is adamant his team's hard work on the training pitch has started to pay off in match situations.

“For me and the coaching staff it was natural because we know we can play in different ways," he told Tottenham's official website.

"We’ve been working on that from the beginning of the season. At that moment, you are paid back for that work and it can affect the game.

"That’s why we feel very proud of the players and we’re happy, we’re flexible, we can change and have different ways to play.”

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Spurs have been installed as clear favourites ahead of tonight's trip to South Wales.

Paul Clement's side are just one point clear of the relegation zone but Pochettino is wary of the dangers of facing a team fighting for survival.

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“We expect a tough game. It’s true that since Paul [Clement] has been in charge, the team has improved a lot with some very good results," added the Argentine coach.

“They are fighting to survive and for me, every game we play against the teams playing for survival or playing for the title, they are all very tough.”

Meanwhile, Wanyama is in line to feature at the Liberty Stadium and continue his record of playing in every Premier League game this season.