Stoke-on-Trent (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino insists that he is not concerned by the stuttering start to the new campaign by his side and star striker Harry Kane.

The Argentine believes it is only a matter of time — perhaps starting with the tricky away trip to Stoke on Saturday — that Kane, who scored 32 goals in all competitions last season, will get off the mark.

Spurs have won one and drawn two of their three league matches and Kane has not scored in 10 games since netting for England in a friendly against Turkey before the European Championships.

Pochettino’s belief stems from last term and Kane’s failure to score in his first eight matches of the season.

“I would sign (up) for the same as last season, for Harry to start scoring late and then score 25,” said Pochettino, who steered Spurs to a Champions League spot last season.

“He needs to be calm, it’s always difficult after the Euros and then the expectation on him is massive.

“Every ball he touches we wait for him to score a goal and it’s difficult when you need to be fit, to give your best. It’s about patience, time and working hard.

“Last summer the expectations with the England under-21s were to win the tournament and he didn’t score, so it was the same. But he is more mature and has more experience and he will start to score again.”

The signing of Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar has helped, says the Spurs boss.

“Now we have different alternatives, Harry and Vincent Janssen or just Harry,” he said.

“Starting Saturday we have seven games in 20 days and a crazy schedule until Christmas. We will rotate the squad and every player will have the chance to show his quality.”

Tottenham have reinforced the centre of their midfield by bringing in Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle United and Kenyan enforcer Victor Wanyama from Southampton, while Christian Eriksen ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract.

“We have a squad to compete in different competitions,” Pochettino said, mindful of the extra games that come when taking on Europe.

“It will be tough for us this season, but I am happy with my squad.”

The 44-year-old former Argentina international defender expects to have France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris available again after injury, but England defender Danny Rose will miss the Stoke clash and the Monaco game next week.

– Bony to make debut –

Stoke, who have made a poor start in failing to win in three games, are expected to hand a first start to Wilfried Bony after the Ivory Coast forward completed a loan move from Manchester City on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Fellow new arrivals Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi, who has moved on loan from Porto, and goalkeeper Lee Grant, who will provide back-up for veteran Shay Given while Jack Butland recovers from his ankle operation, have pleased the Stoke management team.

“The first thing that struck me with the three guys we’ve brought in is that we’ve brought in good characters, people who take responsibility,” said assistant manager Mark Bowen.

“They look like they’ve good heads on their shoulders, which is important. Their talent is almost taken for granted because we know so much about them before they sign.

“Obviously in Wilfried and Bruno’s cases they are international stars of good standing.

“We’re delighted with our acquisitions and we want to get them on the pitch as soon as possible to show our fans.”