Serge Aurier relishing second chance under Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs

Serge Aurier says he’s focused on not letting down manager Mauricio Pochettino after being granted a “second chance” at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old Ivorian full-back made his first appearance of the season in Spurs comprehensive 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Aurier at Spurs: Five key things to know…

• Aurier joined Spurs from PSG in August 2017 for a reported £23m.
• He’s gone on to make 42 appearances, registering four goals and creating a further seven.
• Aurier was considering leaving Spurs in the summer but changed his mind.
• He made his first appearance of the 2019/20 season in their 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
• Aurier, who created two goals in that victory, is hoping to make a “second chance” under Mauricio Pochettino count.

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There were question marks regarding Aurier’s future at the club this summer, but the departure of rival Kieran Trippier opened the door for him to make that right-back position his own.

However, youngster Kyle Walker-Peters and even Davinson Sánchez were favoured in the early games, but with fixtures coming thick and fast Pochettino deployed the former Paris Saint-Germain man to devastating effect against Palace.

Aurier would force Patrick van Aanholt to inadvertently put the ball into his own net before teeing up Son Heung-min for a spectacular volley. That fixture marked a period in which Spurs will play no fewer than seven matches across 21 days.

Pochettino confirmed he will rotate his team with Aurier expected to play a key role and having changed his mind about leaving in the summer, after speaking with chairman Dany Levy, he’s determined to repay those who believe in him.

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“Yes, but that was the situation before the transfer window closed. Now I’m feeling calm and happy to stay,” he said after being asked if he thought about exiting Spurs.

“I’ve spoken with everyone and I don’t want to leave. I had something in my head, but I didn’t want to leave for the gaffer or the chairman.

“It was a personal situation and now it’s OK. Everyone wants to give me another chance. We need to give our best for this season and for the trophies. The new season has started for me and that is it.

“It was my first game in this stadium, my family were there. Nothing has changed in my life. I stay and now I want to prove myself, give my best for the supporters, for the club, for everyone.”