Tottenham's Pochettino: Contract Talks Affected Eriksen
Christian Eriksen’s form suffered due to protracted contract talks according to Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Tottenham have begun their season off slowly for the second consecutive season, though there’s a good reason for that.
Having 11 players compete in the European Championship (nine who were starters last season), plus missing a portion of Spurs’ pre-season training program and their Australian tour, it’s not exactly surprising that Spurs have looked out of sorts.
One player who missed out on the Euros was Christian Eriksen after Denmark failed to qualify for the tournament.
The Danish midfielder had a summer break to recover and take part in a lot of practice sessions to get back up to speed. Yet, it was a wonder why Eriksen has struggled along with the rest of Spurs’ starters — minus a select few — in the first three games of the Premier League season.
The 24-year-old has been consistently good since arriving in 2013.
And although he experiences off games like everyone else, it’s alarming for someone of Christian Eriksen’s stature as one of Spurs’ best players.
If it wasn’t fatigue that affected his form thus far, it may have been his ongoing contract talks.
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But, Mauricio Pochettino quickly dispelled the notion that Christian Eriksen wanted money. Rather, the Argentine manager said it was about the Dane’s future.
“Perhaps subconsciously, the speculation can affect you when you are in the process of negotiating your future.” Pochettino said (via Evening Standard).
“It is not about money. It’s about your future.”
“Sometimes it is difficult but we trust Christian, he is happy to stay and there is no doubt he will improve his performance in the future.”
“If the club give him a better contract, it is because he deserves it.”
Signing a new four-year deal which raises Eriksen’s weekly wages from £35,000 to £70,000 is partially tied down to money.
Though the Danish international does deserve a pay raise after being consistently good for the past three years.
It’s about performances. Past performances helps clubs judge whether players can sustain their success for a certain period of time. It could be a few seasons or longer.
Christian Eriksen has done that with Ajax and continued his form with Spurs for the past three seasons. Over time, Eriksen will return to being a playmaker this season and it should start very soon after securing a long-term deal.
“For players it is about performances,” Pochettino added.
“It is about being focused in training, improving fitness, showing quality, the relationship with your team-mates on the pitch.”
“There is no doubt about Christian’s quality or his skills.”
“This contract is important for him and for us. It will stop the rumours and he can be focused only on playing football.”
“This is the last time we will talk about Eriksen’s contract and the rumours.”
“It is good for him and the club. We are all happy.”
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