The Argentinean discussed the mentality of the squad and the importance of Harry Kane’s August goal

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has been impressed with the energy of the squad in the early stages of the season.

The Lilywhites have had a disrupted few weeks with nine members of the group only coming back the week before Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League campaign got underway on August 11 at Newcastle United.

It didn’t impact Spurs too much though, as they won 2-1 at St James’ Park and backed it up with a 3-1 victory against Fulham at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

Harry Kane got on the scoresheet in the Premier League for the first time in August and Pochettino was pleased for the forward, but pointed out the encouraging mentality of the whole squad.

“Yes, I am very happy for Harry,” said Spurs manager. “It’s very important for him to feel the net in that period because if not it becomes like a big trauma for him.

“Now, he told me after the game ‘in the end I scored gaffer’. He knows, but I think it’s good. I told you all I felt the energy when we all arrived.

“When everyone started working together, I felt the mentality was very good and the attitude too.

“Maybe there is a little advantage for other teams because of our fitness and progression and our preparation.

“But if you have good mentality and you are strong in your mind then you can compete and I think in the two first games we competed really, really well.”

Two of England’s World Cup stars helped Spurs see off Fulham on Saturday as a free kick by Kieran Trippier put them 2-1 up before Kane extended their advantage with 77 on the clock.

Pochettino admitted there is room for improvement when it comes to his right-back, however, who didn’t make the most of some promising positions last weekend.

The Argentinean also conceded he didn’t allow himself to celebrate the free kick as he was too focused.

He added: “I think I am happy for Kieran because it was a great goal, but he still needs to improve.

“I really didn’t celebrate, not one goal because I think we were focused on trying to find a solution.

“In that moment it was 1-1, the game was tough. Now I enjoy it a lot and I will enjoy it again when I watch it.”