Mauricio Pochettino: 'Antonio Conte spoke to me about media comments'

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Antonio Conte sought him out to explain a number of seemingly negative comments made about Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

During pre-season, the Chelsea boss questioned the ambition of Tottenham, given they had not signed any new players at that stage.

The Italian also said it is "not a tragedy" if Spurs do not win the title or qualify for the Champions League - whereas it is for the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Pochettino, however, said that Conte approached him at the recent Premier League launch event to make clear what he had meant by his statements.

"Last week, we had an opportunity to talk a little bit and he was very clear with me," the Spurs boss told a press conference.

"He tried to explain what he wanted to say and sometimes the headlines are not the same as what he wanted to say. He explained to me and it's not a big issue.

"I respect him and Chelsea and it's time to play and show we are better. It's always a challenge to play the champions."

Spurs, who have since signed Davinson Sanchez from Ajax, will face the Blues in the Premier League on Sunday.