Mauricio Pochettino: I'll help finish construction of new stadium, says Spurs boss

Mauricio Pochettino said he is confident Tottenham's new stadium will be ready this year and joked he would help finish its construction.

The new 62,000-seat arena was supposed to open on 15 September but safety issues led to a delay.

Wednesday's EFL Cup tie against Watford will be played in Milton Keynes because temporary home Wembley Stadium is not ready after the Anthony Joshua fight.

"If I have to help finish it to keep the supporters happy, I will," he said.

"I am confident [it will be ready] this year.

"They are working hard to try to find the solution. I hope before the [end of the] year, before Christmas, we can play. That's my wish."

The Spurs boss was reacting to the suggestion that supporters were disgruntled that the new stadium, built next to the old White Hart Lane site, was not ready.

The 46-year-old Argentine added: "Of course we feel disappointed for our fans but they need to understand that it is a venue for the rest of our lives and for the next generations. It is so important to finish it in the right way.

"Maybe one or two months means a lot but in the end it is no time because the most important thing is to finish and in the future have a venue that is going to help us win trophies."

'The obsession in England is to try to disrespect the players'

Meanwhile, Pochettino said he was perplexed over the "obsession" over team selection in English football.

The manager clashed with journalists last week after he was questioned about his decision to leave defenders Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld at home for their Champions League game at Inter Milan. He plans to make more changes for the cup tie against the Hornets.

He said: "We have a lot of games ahead. I think we rotate, trying to find the best solution to try to win games.

"When you sign players and you have 24 players in your squad, you need to respect all the players.

"If not, if they're going to have the possibility to play and show their quality, why do you pay their salary, why do you provide the food every day at the training ground?

"Sorry, but for me it's so difficult to understand that obsession about why one or another plays. It's like all the managers want to lose. No-one wants to win."

The new stadium is thought to have created 3,500 jobs

The stadium will have an on-site micro brewery and an in-house bakery

There will be premium seats fitted, with heated seats and USB ports

Tottenham's new stadium will also host NFL games and music concerts

There will be a 17,000 single tier stand, which will be the largest in the UK

The stadium in north London is estimated to have cost £750m