Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino: 'Don't twist my comments on diving'

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that some of his recent comments regarding diving have been 'twisted'.

Earlier this week, Pochettino said that 'too much focus' was being placed on diving after Dele Alli received criticism for simulation against Liverpool in last weekend's Premier League fixture at Anfield.

Ahead of Saturday's North London derby, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has suggested that Pochettino wanted to see diving regarded as an action which was "clever", but Pochettino has attempted to clarify his opinion.

At a press conference, the 45-year-old told reporters: "I'm honest always. I gave you what I think, what I feel. In 2002, my vision about English football - yet you laugh because you know what I'm going to say - I didn't touch Michael Owen but he dived. My vision in that moment changed.

"It's true in that moment I didn't know English. I didn't speak English, I didn't hear the comment. Today's we're so sensitive about details. Sometimes it's difficult for me to be honest and explain the things - my language is not English.

"It's difficult to use the right words. I don't like it when some people twist my words. My intention is to keep the essence of football. I love football. Football for me means being creative, don't feel the limits. Try to not cheat, but trick the opponent in a good way. That's how I feel about football. I'm not going to change my opinion."

Spurs currently hold a four-point advantage over Arsenal in the standings ahead of the showdown at Wembley Stadium.