LONDON -- Mauricio Pochettino has backtracked on his criticism of Moussa Sissoko, explaining that it has been very difficult for the £30 million signing to "adapt" to Tottenham.
Sissoko has made just five starts since joining from Newcastle United in a deadline-day deal and Pochettino criticised the France midfielder after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea -- the second consecutive league game he has been left out of the squad.
"Sissoko needs to work hard and to show in future that he deserves to be on the team," Pochettino said at Stamford Bridge but, speaking on Thursday, the Spurs manager offered an explanation for Sissoko's unconvincing start at White Hart Lane.