Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that he was surprised to learn of a change in referee for his side's Premier League match at Stoke City.
Kevin Friend was due to take charge of Monday night's match at the Britannia Stadium, but he has been replaced by Neil Swarbrick because he lives in Leicester and reportedly supports the league leaders, whom Spurs are trying to chase down.
Pochettino's North London counterpart Arsene Wenger said earlier today that he was "completely surprised and disappointed" by the decision to take Friend off the game and Pochettino echoed the Frenchman's views.
"We never complain and I want to say we trust in all the referees but I think we need to trust," the Argentine told reporters.
"In some point I agree with Arsene. It is important to keep the integrity of the referee and always back the referee. They are human and can make mistakes like us but it is important next time to behave naturally and to show the referee the trust and respect.
"Then whatever happens in the game, on the pitch we are human and can make mistake and not because something is going on behind."
Heading into this weekend's fixtures, Spurs are seven points behind Leicester, who will be 10 clear by the time Pochettino's side play should they beat West Ham United on Sunday.
Pascal Lemesre
