Southampton defender Jose Fonte is delighted with his early season form.
He has now emerged as Pochettino's favoured choice to partner Dejan Lovren.
"I'm pleased, because I believe in myself," he said. "I got injured against Chelsea when I was the only player who played every single game and was out of the team for eight games.
"When you come back the players have been doing well, we won a few games against Man City and good teams, and it's normal the manager keeps playing with the same team.
"I waited for my chance, I played the last few games of the season, I did well, I had a great pre-season and I worked very hard, and the manager put his trust in me and I just want to pay it off, play well for the manager and the team."
