Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has appealed to the club’s fans for their support and patience as the club continue to move steadily toward fulfilling their long-term goals.

After going out of the two domestic cups within a week, Pochettino insisted ahead of Wednesday’s match against Watford at Wembley that the club will one day contend for all the major prizes. The timescale remained vague, but he gave the impression of a man who wanted to resolve any doubts about his commitment to the club’s aims.

Moving into the rebuilt stadium will be a catalyst, despite the delays. “Of course it is a massive disappointment for everybody,” the Argentine said. “First of all for Daniel [Levy, the chairman] and the board, that they cannot deliver the job on time. And, of course, that affects the team and everybody. That is why it is my responsibility to be positive and optimistic.

“My job is to call to the fans to give the last push that we need. They are the core and the soul of the club and this is a massive moment. All together we need the last push to finish in the top four or maybe be a real contender. Then, playing in the Champions League, is an exciting moment for the club.”