Pochettino agrees new Spurs deal
LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has extended his contract until 2021, the Premier League club announced yesterday.
The highly regarded Argentine, 44, arrived from Southampton in 2014 and came close to leading Spurs to their first league title since 1961 this season, only for them to lose out to Leicester City.
His assistants Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Toni Jimenez have also extended their contracts.
“I could not be happier to sign this new contract,” Pochettino said in comments published on Tottenham’s official Twitter account.
“It was an easy decision for my coaching staff and I because we can feel the appreciation of everyone here. There is no better place to be right now.”
Pochettino revealed two weeks ago that he had agreed a new contract, but yesterday’s announcement will come as something of a relief to Spurs fans after the former Argentina defender was linked to the Manchester United job.
His previous contract had been due to expire in 2019.
Pochettino has revitalised Tottenham, helping to bring through young English players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier and earning plaudits for the quality and intensity of his team’s football.
Spurs have secured a Champions League place for the first time since 2010-11 and will be assured of finishing second — their highest position since 1963 — if they avoid defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday.
DE BOER QUITS AJAX
Ajax coach and former Dutch international Frank de Boer announced yesterday he was quitting the Amsterdam club after failing to win the Dutch title.
“Frank de Boer is quitting as Ajax trainer. He told the club’s board in a meeting,” Ajax said in a statement issued in Amsterdam.
De Boer’s announcement comes after Ajax drew 1-1 against minnows De Graafschap on Sunday while defending champions PSV retained their hold on the trophy with a 3-1 victory against PEC Zwolle.
Ajax needed a win to claim the 34th championship.