Mauricio Pochettino : 'It was important to win this game'

Mauricio pochettino

"I'm very happy. It was a very professional performance. I'm happy because after Lorient, it was important to win this game, especially as it comes before the game against Marseille which everyone knows is a really important game for us. It's more than just a game, it's a derby. We have the passion and now we're focussing on that game. It was important. I'm very happy with the first half which was very professional. We played very well. The second half was different because we were winning and were in control and I think, unconsciously, we started to think about the next game, the derby against Marseille. It was a solid performance and it was important to win the three points because the team needs to prepare for the derby with the confidence from a good win."

ANGEL DI MARIA

"I said it after the last game; we made too many mistakes, we didn't play like we normally do. Losing the way we did against Lorient was a bit embarassing for us. We needed to show our true colours tonight, improve our football and above all, put away our chances. We needed to win, to put it simply... We didn't have any choice. We played very well. I provided a nice assist for a nice goal from Pablo Sarabia. It's good to score and assist goals, but the most important thing is the victory and to get back to winning ways in the league. Now we turn our attentions to Marseille, an important for everyone. They are struggling at the moment, but these matches are different, intense, and I hope we return from Marseille with the three points."

PABLO SARABIA

"It was very important to bounce back after the loss to Lorient. It was an important game for us to show everyone that we are going to try to win every match to climb up the standings and that's why we needed to win tonight and we'll try to win the next game too. It was important for me to score. It's been a difficult month for everyone because we've changed a lot of things with the arrival of the new coach and it was important for me to show that I'm still here and that I can play."