Mauricio Pochettino has no regrets starting Harry Kane ahead of Lucas Moura in Tottenham’s Champions League final defeat to Liverpool.
Kane played the full 90 minutes on his return from two months off but was ineffectual as Jurgen Klopp’s men were crowned European champions for the sixth time as goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi gave them a 2-0 win over Spurs.
With not much going his way, Kane only had one shot in the game and was on the fringes for large parts, especially in the first half where he had just 15 touches of the ball – the least of any player on the pitch.
A few eyebrows were raised when the teams were revealed with semi-final hat-trick hero Moura only on the bench with Dele Alli – also out of sorts in the game – playing off the England skipper.
Pochettino said: “This wasn’t a drama, it was a decision. For me Harry Kane, after one month and a half, he finished the game fresh. He didn’t score but my decision I promise was very analytical, with all the information. I have no regrets.”
Pochettino’s future at the club once again was discussed in his post-match press conference but he was giving no clues about whether he’ll continue as Tottenham manager next season.