Pau thanks Poch for Spurs faith

Pau Lopez got his chance at Espanyol because of Mauricio Pochettino and the young Spanish goalkeeper is keen to repay that faith after reuniting with the Argentinian at Tottenham.

Pau, 21, joined Spurs on a season-long loan on deadline day, and travelled with the squad for Saturday’s 4-0 win over Stoke.

While he is currently third in the pecking order at White Hart Lane, behind Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm, Pau is relishing the chance to develop his skills in the English game.

(Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

“Mauricio made everything possible, if he wasn’t here, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to play here,” said Pau, who made 38 appearances for Espanyol.

“He trusted me when I was a youth player at Espanyol. I’m very grateful to him, now I have to do everything here to earn his trust.

“Mauricio and his staff demand a lot of you at the training sessions and those sessions are really hard, but at the end when you work hard you get to the games better (in better condition) than your rivals.

“(Goalkeeping coach) Toni (Jimenez) trusts me a lot, demands a lot, believes in me and I think he is going to get the best out of me.

“To play for a team like Spurs is a dream come true. I’ve dreamed of playing in England since I was a kid, but I couldn’t imagine I could play with a team like Spurs. It’s a great opportunity.

“I hope to learn a lot, improve a lot as a goalkeeper and adapt to life on and off the pitch. I’m very excited and I hope the fans are also happy I’m here.”