I may play the kids in the FA Cup next season, reveals bemused Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino will consider fielding academy players in next season’s FA Cup after becoming frustrated by the constant talk of Tottenham’s failure to win a trophy.

Spurs’ hopes of claiming a first piece of silverware since 2008 ended on Saturday, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the semi-final at Wembley.

Dele Alli gave Pochettino’s men the lead, only for goals from Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera to turn the game around and leave Spurs to focus on their quest to finish in the Premier League’s top four.

However, Pochettino is adamant his squad should not be judged solely on their results in big games.

“I am thinking with Tottenham to play with kids the next time because it’s so unfair when you lose but that is my job to be criticised when we don’t win,” the former Southampton manager told the media.

“The problem is the perception sometimes is not realistic. But maybe yes, next we will provide the possibility to play with kids and I’m sure it will be fantastic for experience and everything.

“Then we will stop to arrive in this situation [of being questioned about not winning trophies].”

Spurs sit fourth in the table, five points clear of nearest rivals Chelsea, with four league games remaining this season, starting with Watford at home next Monday.

They then travel to bottom club West Brom before concluding their campaign with fixtures against Newcastle United and Leicester City at Wembley.