Mauricio Pochettino leads the emotional scenes as Tottenham complete Ajax comeback
Posted Thursday, May 09, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Mauricio Pochettino was in tears after Tottenham's stunning comeback against Ajax (Image: REUTERS)
TOTTENHAM’S incredible Champions League comeback against Ajax sent Mauricio Pochettino over the edge as he broke down in tears on the pitch in Amsterdam.
After Lucas Moura capped one of the most amazing European turnarounds in the sixth minute of stoppage time, the Argentine collapsed to the floor in a heap and was unable to control his emotions.
Pochettino then embraced his players on the pitch in incredibly touching scenes at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Tottenham looked dead and buried at half-time as the hosts raced into a 2-0 lead on the night to make it a seemingly unassailable 3-0 on aggregate.
Whatever Pochettino said at the break, though, must have worked as Moura raced through to give them some hope in the 55th minute.
The Brazilian made it 2-2 just four minutes later after showing lovely feet in the Ajax box as Spurs poured forward in search of a winner.
Fernando Llorente might have done better with a couple of chances, while Dele Alli’s volley was saved by Andre Onana in spectacular style.
Onana then made an incredible double save from Toby Alderweireld late in the game as Spurs were left to rue another missed chance.
However, Lucas pounced to complete his hat-trick and another amazing comeback for an English side in Europe - just 24 hours after Liverpool’s incredible win over Barcelona.
The Spurs boss was overcome by emotion at the Johan Cruyff Arena (Image: BT SPORT)
The Premier League rivals will now meet in the final at the Wanda Metropolitano on June 1.
Pochettino eventually composed himself and spoke on BT Sport before beginning to cry again.
"It's still difficult to talk, the emotion is amazing,” the Argentine said with tears running down his face.
“Thank you football, thank you these guys, these players are my heroes.
"I told you in the last year, I told everyone that we have a group of players who are heroes.
Lucas Moura scored all three goals as Spurs won 3-2 on the night to secure a place in the final (Image: GETTY)
“They showed today. The second half was amazing.
"Thank you. Thank you football. Thank you to our fans.
“Thank you to the people who believed and helped us achieve this amazing moment. It's difficult to describe.”
Former Spurs midfielder Jermain Jenas was clearly moved by the scenes as Pochettino fought back the tears.
"Ajax played so well but in that second half Tottenham gave it everything and they came out a completely different team,” he said on BT Sport.
“What a night for the football club.
"We said something strange was happening. Pochettino is in tears."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher added: “Mauricio Pochettino is crying like a baby and he was on his knees when they scored.
“It gets you emotional watching him and seeing how much it means to him.”
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