Mauricio Pochettino wants top-four finish for Tottenham next season

Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on a qualification for the Champions League after guiding Tottenham to a fifth-place finish in his first season at the club.

Spurs pounced on Liverpool’s 6-1 mauling at Stoke to leapfrog the Merseysiders into the first Europa League qualification spot on the final day following their 1-0 victory at Everton.

And while being pleased with his first 12 months at White Hart Lane, Pochettino refocused the club’s sights on challenging task of finish in the top four.

“It has been a good day,” he told Sky Sports. "Our first half was fantastic - one of the best all season. We played very well, the effort was brilliant and credit to our players for a fantastic season – fifth is very important to us.

“It is important to finish the season in a good way and a good position. It is very important for the club. This is our first season at Tottenham. It was difficult but I’m very happy.

“We need to keep calm. It was important to improve on last season; we were sixth and now were fifth.

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“Playing for the top four is not easy, but we want to be ambitious and prepare for next and try to fight for the top four.”

Harry Kane’s 31st goal of the season sealed the victory at Goodison Park and capped an impressive breakthrough season for the England striker.

And Pochettino believes was full of praise for the plethora of talent inundating his squad in north London.

“It was an important goal for Harry,” he added. “It has been an unbelievable season for a young players, not only Harry Kane, and they all deserve prizes."

Asked whether Spurs were in store for a busy summer off the pitch, Pochettino added: “It is always a busy summer and it will be for all teams.

“We need to be calm now, assess and analyse the season because Tottenham were a very strong team.

“The important thing is that we have clear ideas with our plan and we need to deliver now.”