Pochettino pins Champions League struggles on injuries, inability to rotate

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino claims his side failed to deal with raised expectations associated with being in the Champions League, following a terrific campaign last year.

Spurs challenged for the league title last year and finished in third place - one point behind rival Arsenal - good enough to secure a spot in Europe's elite competition.

Since bowing out of Champions League in late November, Spurs recently lost 1-0 to Manchester United in the Premier League and trail leader Chelsea by 10 points.

"The expectation was higher," Pochettino said, as reported by ESPN FC's Dan Kilpatrick. "Maybe we didn't cope with expectation.

"We were competing in the Champions League, and it was not possible to rotate."

Although Spurs have suffered a few recent defeats - including a 2-1 away loss to Chelsea - Pochettino insists his side is not looking to hit the panic button just yet.

"Today, after 15 league games we have 27 points. Last season, after 15 games we had 26 points," Pochettino explained.

"Last season, we qualified for the next round of the Europa League. Like now. We're nearly in the same position. Last season it was: 'Wow - Tottenham!' But if we analyse and if we are cold, there are similar numbers to last season."

The Argentine gaffer did mention one key difference between this season and last.

Related: Tottenham's Janssen, Dembele ruled out of Hull City match

"Last season, we didnt suffer too many injuries," Pochettino said. "We rotated a lot, arrived in a tough period with the whole squad playing the same minutes and games - we shared a lot.

"(This season) we have had some injuries. Harry Kane was out for 10 games, Toby Alderweireld, and now Mousa Dembele - different players who in the first period of the competition it was impossible to rotate and be more fresh in the Premier League."

Pochettino also noted that winger Erik Lamela is "training, he's much better," although there is still no date set for his return.

Tottenham next take to the pitch against struggling Hull City, in Premier League action on Wednesday evening at White Hart Lane.