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Tottenham ace opens up about relationship with Pochettino and Levy after loan exit
NABIL BENTALEB insists he left Tottenham in the summer on 'good terms' with Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy.
Spurs loanee Bentaleb scores sensational goal for Schalke
The 21-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham after slipping down the pecking order due to the impressive form and rise of Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele.
Injury reduced his chances of forcing himself back into Mauricio Pochettino's plans and he was eventually ordered to train with Spurs' Under-21 side.
On-loan Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb looks on during a match against Borussia Dortmund
Bentaleb then completed a season-long loan move to Schalke in August in search of regular game time and the Algeria international insists his departure was an amicable one.
“I have so much respect for the Tottenham supporters," he told The Set Pieces. "And I have so much respect for the club that gave me the chance when I came for the first time to England.”
Nabil Bentaleb with Tottenham manager Maurcio Pochettino during an FA Cup game against Leicester
“I was injured quite a long time and when I came back, the team was only winning.
"I was not part of the plan and I thought at that time - and still now - at my age, I need to play to improve.
Nabil Bentaleb insists his relationship with Tottenham chief Daniel Levy remained on 'good terms'
I made it clear to the coaches and the coaches said: ‘No problem. We can sort this situation out.’ I left on good terms with the chairman and the coach
“I made it clear to the coaches and the coaches said: ‘No problem. We can sort this situation out.’ I left on good terms with the chairman and the coach."
Bentaleb, who is contracted to Spurs until 2020, could leave the club on a permanent basis if the Bundesliga outfit take up the option to sign him for a fee of around £17million at the end of the season.
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