Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino 'laughs' at fixture schedule

Manager Mauricio Pochettino is refusing to get frustrated by Tottenham's schedule as they prepare for a lengthy Europa League trip three days before playing Chelsea.

Spurs will fly six hours to Azerbaijan on Thursday to play Qarabag, then face the Premier League champions on Sunday.

Tottenham played three games in six days early this month.

"I laugh. It is like the week when we played Monday, Thursday and Sunday," said Pochettino.

"Maybe it's worse because you need to fly nearly six hours, and then there is the decision about whether to come straight back or stay.

"It's very difficult because both decisions are bad."

Group J leaders Tottenham will reach knockout stage of the Europa League with victory over Qarabag.

They sit fifth in the Premier League following Sunday's 4-1 win over West Ham.