Spurs boss wants extra day’s rest following Europa League games

Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham's Europa League hangovers would become a thing of the past if the Premier League afforded them an extra day's rest.

Spurs have often found it difficult to balance European and domestic exertions.

All four of their home Premier League defeats have followed Europa League matches – a horrendous run they will be hoping is not extended when Everton visit this weekend days after Spurs host Partizan Belgrade.

Roberto Martinez’s side also have a European match to deal with tonight and Pochettino believes both sides would benefit from such matches taking place on Monday rather than Sunday.

“For Sunday, we are in the same position as Everton. They play in Germany [at Wolfsburg] and we play at home. Yes, maybe it is a good idea to play Monday. Why not? One day more is good for the players to recover.”

Partizan arrive in north London with elimination already confirmed, whereas Spurs have the chance to sew up progression to the last 32 with a game to spare.

Spurs will be without a host of key players with Emmanuel Adebayor, Younes Kaboul and Etienne Capoue amongst those unavailable and Federico Fazio suspended. But midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is available to return after a month sidelined with an ankle injury.