5 things Tottenham learned from the Borussia Dortmund loss

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino attends the Tottenham Hotspur FC press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Signal Iduna Park on March 9, 2016 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images)

1. Mauricio Pochettino is still gunning for the Premier League title

All you need to do is examine Pochettino’s starting 11 for this match to know that he still is pushing for a Premier League title. Actually, you could probably determine that from the flight manifest of the squad’s trip to Germany.

He made the decision to leave Eric Dier at home to rest. Then he compounded his side’s weakness in the defensive midfield by attempting to rest Mousa Dembele on the bench. You don’t start a defensive midfield pairing of Tom Carroll and Ryan Mason against Borussia Dortmund unless you’re prioritizing some other competition.

Since the only other competition Tottenham is currently involved with is the Premier League, it’s a safe bet that Pochettino has made a conscious decision to focus his side’s attention on that competition. His team selection may have disappointed lots of Spurs fans who made the trip to Germany, but it should buoy their hopes for a Premier League title.

Pochettino has finally put all of Tottenham’s eggs in one basket. His personnel choices at Dortmund were a clear signal that it’s Premier League title or bust for this year’s Spurs team.