text: Mauricio Pochettino has blamed Tottenham's lunchtime lethargy this season on the Europa League campaign. Of 10 Barclays Premier League matches kicking off at 12.00, 12.45 or 1.30, Spurs have won two - against QPR last August and Arsenal in February - collecting nine points out of a possible 30. Six of the matches followed Europa League games on Thursday nights, and Spurs lost four of those and drew the other two. Harry Kane is pictured celebrating for Tottenham after scoring in their victory at Newcastle last week . Christian Eriksen is mobbed by his  team-mates after netting Tottenham's second goal at Newcastle . Pochettino, whose side play his former club Southampton at 12.45 at St Mary's on Saturday, said: 'Maybe this is a coincidence. Or maybe this is because we play Thursday around Europe and have no recovery. 'I don't know. It's difficult to understand why. Maybe it's because we have played Thursday night and spent a lot of energy.' Spurs have fared better in later kick-offs. 'Maybe three or four hours more of recovery is better,' Pochettino said. 'That can affect that.' The Argentine dismissed the prospect of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who could return after missing three matches with a knee injury, seeking a move if Spurs miss out on the top four this term. 'Hugo wants to play the Champions League here for Tottenham and I think this is a rumour and nothing true,' added the Spurs boss, whose only definite absentee is Kyle Walker. 'Hugo is very happy here and wants to reach the Champions League with Tottenham. This is his dream.' Hugo Lloris will stay at Tottenham even if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League, says Pochettino . Pochettino is looking forward to returning to St Mary's with Spurs after leaving Southampton last summer. The 43-year-old headed a host of departures - including key players and the backroom staff - leaving successor Ronald Koeman to rebuild. 'We finished last season eighth in the table,' Pochettino said, recalling his time at Southampton. 'We played very well and it was the end the project of five years with Nicola Cortese and Markus Liebherr. 'We stabilised the club in the Premier League and top 10 and I'm very happy. It was good for Southampton because I love the people of Southampton, the players. 'Koeman has continued to develop the project, or a new project, and it's a fantastic job and he deserves the praise.' Pochettino is uncertain what reception to expect. 'I don't expect nothing special,' he said. 'I love the people at the club, the players, because in one and a half years I enjoyed a lot because it was one of the best periods of my life.'
target: Spurs have won only two of their 10 Premier League lunchtime clashes .
  Mauricio Pochettino believes playing in Europa League could be a factor .
  Spurs face Pochettino's old club Southampton in Saturday's early game .
  CLICK HERE for the latest Tottenham Hotspur news .