Tottenham news: Ray Parlour ‘staggered’ manager Mauricio Pochettino said ‘winning cups only builds egos’

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has told talkSPORT he was ‘staggered’ by Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino’s comments that ‘winning cups only builds your ego’.

The Spurs boss admitted his disappointment after watching his side suffer exits in both the EFL Cup and FA Cup in the space of four miserable days, in respective defeats to Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

But the Argentine also offered an alternative take, explaining a top-four finish is more important than lifting a cup anyway.

“Again, we’re going to have the debate whether a trophy will take the club to the next level. I don’t agree with it. It only builds your ego. The most important thing for Tottenham right now is to always be in the top four.”

Tottenham remain well-placed for achieve that goal. They currently sit third in the Premier League, seven points clear above the chasing pack of Arsenal and Manchester United.

But Parlour told talkSPORT on Monday morning he was baffled by the statement, insisting winning silverware is the most important goal of any footballer’s career.

The Gunners legend said on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “At the end of your career people will ask you, ‘what did you win’, and I have been quite proud to say that I won the Premier League and FA Cup.

“That’s what it’s all about.

“It’s not about how much money you earn. You could have a big house and earn £300,000-a-week for five years, fantastic, it’s great to do that.

“But it’s still all about trophies, so I’m staggered by what he said.

“Of course Champions League football is so important for every single club financially.

“But you’ve still got to win trophies haven’t you?”