New Deal Crucial For Players, Says Pochettino

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has said it was essential for him to commit his future to the club in order to help attract new players this summer.

The Argentinian has verbally agreed a new five-year deal at White Hart Lane and is expected to sign following Monday night's clash with Chelsea.

Pochettino says Spurs are prepared to improve the squad in the summer transfer market is pleased there will be no media speculation about his future over the close season.

"I think it is important for the players, and the potential players that will come, that they don't hear rumours about whether I will be here or not," he said.

"We are ready to compete in the market and try to add the players that can help us in the future - not that we need much because we have a good squad already.

"I did not need assurances [in contract discussions]. I didn't ask for anything. In the moment that the chairman wanted to extend my contract, he showed his ambition.

"The players are very happy here. I want to be involved in the future of the club."

Spurs head to Stamford Bridge with their title hopes hanging by a thread, following last week's disappointing draw at home to West Brom.

The gap to Premier League leaders Leicester is eight points with three Spurs games to go, and Pochettino has suggested that fatigue has played a part in his side's drop in form.

"It is always difficult at the end of a season because of the fatigue - not only physical, but mental," he said.

"The way we train every day, sometimes we have to stop them because it is too much. The motivation is massive."