Mauricio Pochettino says that his Tottenham players ‘love’ summer signing Serge Aurier.
The former PSG man arrived in north London on deadline day, however, is followed by a controversial reputation thanks to two unsavoury incidents during his time in Paris.
However, speaking after his side’s 3-2 win over London rivals West Ham – in which Aurier was sent off after two yellows within minutes of each other, Pochettino revealed that his reputation has not been a problem.
“But his reputation is not about getting sent off many times," said the Spurs boss.
“His behaviour is fantastic on the team, since he arrived. The teammates love him. He is a very good teammate and he is very good friends with Kieran Trippier, who he competes with for the same position.
“I think, to be honest, he is doing very well. We are so happy with him.”
The former Southampton manager also added that Aurier’s former Marseille teammate Moussa Sissoko, with whom he has been impressed this season, has helped the new man settle at Spurs.
“Yes, it's good for Aurier to have Sissoko to help integrate him,” Pochettino added.
In Pictures | West Ham vs Tottenham | 23/09/2017
“I think Sissoko is doing very well. I am so happy with him this season.”
On Aurier’s dismissal, which came after he was handed a second yellow for a reckless lunge on Andy Carroll, Pochettino says it is not a ‘big issue’.
He continued: “Yes but it happened with me [during my career], it happened with everyone.
“It's true that he needs to learn about that situation and improve but when it's a player that has just arrived at the club and he is given the responsibility to play this type of game, sometimes it happens. But for me, it's not a big issue. I am happy with him.”
Aurier will be missing for their Premier League trip to Huddersfield next weekend but will be available mid-week when they fly out to Cyprus to face APOEL Nicosia in the Champions League.
