Pochettino: FIFA awards can inspire Tottenham

Pochettino attended the FIFA awards night in London on Monday evening, and said that the event can act as a "huge motivation" for his squad to "achieve big things" in football.

The only Spurs player to feature on the 24-man shortlist for FIFA's 'The Best' player of 2017 was Harry Kane, alongside Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante, and Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez from the Premier League.

When asked whether Kane could be one of the frontrunners for the best player award next year, he said: "Not just Harry, in that case, we also have Hugo (Lloris) or different players.

"I think it's important to believe that they can achieve that level and to be close to the amazing players that were nominated yesterday.

"I think it was fantastic to meet a lot of football people [yesterday]," he added. "It's difficult to meet everyone and to see them [when they are] in different places.

"I think we enjoyed it a lot - it's a thing which always motivates you. And I hope that next season we have a few players there nominated.

"It was a massive motivation to be there yesterday and it can only help us to achieve big things, and to one day be there."

The Argentinian coach picked up three first-place votes for FIFA's Best Men's Coach award, but none of them came from his captain Hugo Lloris, who opted for Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

However, Pochettino did not seem bothered by this snub and backed Lloris' decision, saying Zidane "deserves to be number one."

"He voted for me number two?" Pochettino laughed.

"Who number one? Zidane? Well, he's French! I am happy, it's normal. Zidane received the trophy for best manager and he deserves to be number one."