Spurs News: Pochettino Claims Erik Lamela Will Prove Critics Wrong

Having spoken to ESPN, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he believes his fellow Argentinian Erik Lamela will prove his critics wrong this season. The former Roma player endured a difficult first season that drew criticism from fans and the media alike, but Pochettino thinks he will turn things around this season.

It is never easy in the first season for a player from another country and it is true that it was difficult for him. He was injured, too, and we are confident with him that with time and hard work, like he has done in pre-season, that he can go far. He was very disappointed about last season but the past is the past. We need him to look forward, believe in his skill and condition and work very, very hard. With confidence and time he will show his value. You always nominate players on the bench who can have an impact and all three subs had an impact on the game.

Pochettino was referring to the fact that Lamela was one of three substitutes who came on in Spurs' 2-1 win in Cyprus against AEL Limassol in the Europa League qualifying round last night, with Lamela having a particularly big impact, setting up both of Spurs goals as they turned around a 1-0 deficit.

This was a very tough game, a difficult game, a hard game because the conditions were difficult and the weather was difficult. I'm happy with the performance. In the end 2-1 for us is an important result for us. It is true that in the first half we started to make mistakes, but in general, I am happy and looking forward to the next game, on Sunday.

We created two or three chances in the first seven minutes. I think it's true that we believed that it would be an easy game, but we knew when we watched their game against Zenit that they have a very good team.

In the second half we started the game, I think we restarted the game in the second half and I'm very satisfied after the game.

Lamela couldn't hide his delight after Spurs scored their goals and his performance in general was very positive, as he ran at players with confidence, had a couple of efforts at goal himself and did indeed provide the assists for both Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane to score. Do you think Lamela will be a success this season? What did you think of Spurs' win in Cyprus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. And please feel free to follow me on Twitter!