Moussa Sissoko is struggling to adapt to Tottenham demands, concedes Mauricio Pochettino

White Hart pain: Moussa Sissoko has been left out of Tottenham’s last two Premier League matches
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Tom Collomosse2 December 2016

Mauricio Pochettino believes Moussa Sissoko is struggling to handle the demands of life at Tottenham.

Sissoko could eventually be the club’s joint-record signing at £30million but he has so far failed to make an impact and was left out of the squad for the last two Premier League matches.

Sissoko hopes to be restored for tomorrow’s meeting with Swansea at White Hart Lane but Pochettino said: “Even after two-and-a-half years working with us, the players still struggle to cope with our pressure.

“For a new player, it’s not easy. Sissoko is 27 and has different habits. That is not easy for anyone, especially when you remember he arrived from Newcastle on the final day of the window.

“He then went to play for France during the international break and didn’t have a pre-season after Euro 2016. It has been very difficult for him to adapt or fit into the team. If you remember, he suffered concussion in the game at Middlesbrough [in September] and he was then suspended for three games [Sissoko elbowed Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter in the 0-0 draw in October].

“I have been happy with his attitude this week. He trained very hard but it is not a big issue for me. All the players need to understand that we are a 24-man squad. I am the boss.”

Though Sissoko could eventually cost Tottenham £30m — five separate payments are scheduled over the term of his contract — friends of the Frenchman believe he is being valued unfairly.

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They point out that Spurs’s initial payment was only about £6-7m and they believe his displays should be judged against that fee. Sissoko was said to be surprised at his exclusion but is determined to win the trust of Pochettino over the coming weeks.

Standard Sport understands Sissoko was Tottenham’s third choice in the summer after they were unable to secure deals for Sadio Mane or Wilfried Zaha. Both Inter Milan and Juventus are monitoring Sissoko, though Spurs are not believed to be thinking about allowing him to leave on loan.

Toby Alderweireld completed two double training sessions this week as the centre-back closes in on his first appearance since October 15.

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