Pochettino was forced into an early change that benefitted his side (Image: Getty)
In their first Champions League semi-final since the 1962 European Cup, Spurs started poorly and conceded in the 15th minute.
Starting with a back-three, Pochettino’s side were overrun in midfield and had no real outlet up top, in the absence of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Jan Vertonghen’s injury midway through the first-half gave the manager the chance to switch to a four-man defensive setup, Moussa Sissoko coming on for the centre-back.
It was only then that Spurs got into the game, Sissoko providing extra energy in the centre of the pitch to form a solid base alongside Victor Wanyama.
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"It was the not the shape that conceded the goal. Our approach to the game was not good.
“I am the manager so I have responsibility."
For the second leg, Spurs are set to have Son back from suspension with the hope of Harry Winks playing again this season drained by his operation on a groin problem.
Tottenham: Trippier praises Ajax’s ‘amazing fans’ after defeat
Overturning a 1-0 first leg deficit is the objective in Amsterdam after Ajax saw out the game from Donny van de Beek’s early strike.
Erik ten Hag’s side have only lost once in the Champions League this season, but that did come at Johan Cruyff Arena - in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the last-16 first leg.
Ajax are on a spectacular run in their own backyard, winning all but two of their Eredivisie games at home, drawing two, as well as avoiding defeat against Bayern Munich and Juventus.