POCH GETS PEP UP
TODAY, KO 2.05PM Emery puts the Spurs boss in same class as brilliant Guardiola WE’RE UNITED BY BIELSA
ARSENAL TOTTENHAM
The Arsenal chief has paid a glowing tribute to his opposite number ahead of today’s showdown at the Emirates.
Emery insists the Tottenham boss deserves to be talked about in the same breath as Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
While sparks may fly on the pitch as the rival teams usher in a new era in hostilities in the wake of Arsene Wenger’s exit, it’s unlikely anything similar will take place in the technical area.
Emery and Pochettino have a friendship that spans the last decade and the Spaniard is clearly a big fan of his rival.
“His career is very consistent,” said Emery (above). “His team structure is very clear – and he produces good performances.
“He has worked in Spain with Espanyol and in England with Southampton and Tottenham – with young players.
“Every young player improves under him and his staff. It is part UNAI EMERY and Mauricio Pochettino struck up a friendship during a coaching masterclass from Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.
The pair were invited to see his Chile team train ahead of a friendly in Spain 10 years ago.
“I was Valencia’s coach when Chile played in Villarreal’s stadium,” said Emery. “Pochettino of every coach’s job. It is part of my job, too. To develop young players with our work. And he does that. He gives young players a chance.
“I think Tottenham are now one of the best teams around. In five years under Pochettino, they have improved a lot.
“They are up there with Chelsea and Manchester City.
“Given his career, I think he deserves to be considered with the best coaches like Guardiola and Simeone.” There has been long-standing talk of a move from Real Madrid for Pochettino – and Emery does not rule it out.
Asked specifically if the switch might happen, Emery said: “At the moment, I think he is happy at Tottenham – and he has a lot of respect at the club.
“I don’t know if it will happen. Every coach knows that their work depends on results and the team you are at. He’s got a lot of respect from other coaches in the Premier League and he is doing very well at Tottenham.
“They are in a good moment in their season but we want our supporters to see our best work and, in return, we want to feel them pushing us.” was just finishing his playing career. It was clear he wanted to be a coach and we sat with Bielsa after each training session and spoke to him about the game.
“I have the utmost respect for Bielsa. He’s special. Any coach would learn something from him.
“His intensity and how he prepares for matches is really something to see.”