Mauricio Pochettino: Now Tottenham are out the Europa League I can watch the DARTS

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has admitted one of the best things about getting knocked out of the Europa League is that he can now keep up with all that is happening at the darts.

Mauricio PochettinoGETTY

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed his love for Premier League... darts

The Tottenham head coach, whose own darts shirt would presumably be emblazoned with the nickname "Oche-tino", has revealed a surprising passion for the sport he was introduced to by his players at Southampton.

And the fact that Tottenham had a full week to prepare for tomorrow's clash with Manchester United rather than traipsing all over Europe meant he could treat himself to the perfect Thursday night in.

"I watched Europa League," he said. "All the games. I had two screens in front of me, one with Europa League, the other with Premier League Darts. It's true.

"They don't have darts in Argentina but since I arrived in Southampton I have been a fan of the darts. I've never played but I watch on TV."

But it will be United manager Louis van Gaal trying to hit the bullseye tomorrow after telling his United stars to transfer their training ground performances into matches - or brace themselves for a second season out of the Champions League.

Pochettino: We have full respect for Manchester United [AMBIENT]

From what I see in training sessions, we have progressed

Mauricio Pochettino

Van Gaal claims his team is responding to his demanding managerial methods and making progress but admits it is not always apparent from their displays.

But he believes a win over sixth-placed Tottenham at Old Trafford can provide fourth-placed United with the perfect platform to cement their return to Europe's top table next season over the decisive final 10 games.

"I have a lot of confidence in my players," he said. "From what I see in training sessions, we have progressed. I have always thought that when you can show it in training, you can also show it in a match. But there is a big difference between training sessions and matches.

"We have to wait for the big victory. Then, maybe, we shall have more spirit and also more confidence to win our games.

"United has to be one of the teams who play in the Champions League. We have seen this season that it is not good to be out of the competition and we don't want it to happen for a second year."

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