Pochettino focused on Spurs amid United talk
london — Mauricio Pochettino insists he is focused on doing his best for Tottenham amid reports he is the leading candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
Tottenham manager Pochettino was installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to take charge at Old Trafford after Mourinho was sacked by United on Tuesday.
United are expected to appoint a caretaker manager this week to lead the troubled team for the rest of the season.
That would give them time to tempt Pochettino to leave Tottenham, where he has established a reputation as one of the brightest young managers in Europe during his four-year reign.
Pochettino refused to completely rule out any interest in the United job, which might appeal to him given the club’s vast resources in contrast to Tottenham, who failed
to sign a single player in the summer transfer window.
But the 46-year-old, whose has led Tottenham to third in the Premier League and a place in the Champions League last 16 this season, insists he is only concerned with his current team at present.
“After nearly five years there is a lot of rumours about my position as manager at Tottenham,” Pochettino told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup quarterfinal at Arsenal.
“I cannot answer this type of question because rumours happen.
I want to deliver my best at this football club.”
Although Pochettino is yet to win a trophy with Tottenham, he has caught the eye by establishing a stylish side made up of flourishing youngsters and astute signings.
His commitment to an attacking game-plan and his friendly relationship with his players is a stark contrast to Mourinho’s acerbic personality and dour tactics.
Pochettino wouldn’t comment on the reasons for Mourinho’s downfall, but admitted he felt sorry to see his friend sacked after just two-anda-half years in charge of United.
“First of all I want to send my best wishes to him. I feel so sorry,” Pochettino said.
“I have a very good relationship with Jose, he is a good friend, it is sad news.
“It is not my business what has happened in another club. I send my best wishes to Jose.”
Would imagine one of the main reasons for sacking Mourinho now would be to stop the attempted mass exodus of their best players next month Gary Lineker
@GaryLineker
I was one of his biggest advocates 2 & half years ago when he joined @ManUtd & felt he stabilised our club when we needed it... You can’t ignore what Jose has achieved as a manager previously but I feel the time has come for fresh ideas at #MUFC Rio Ferdinand
@rioferdy5
I cannot answer this type of question because rumours happen. I want to deliver my best at this football club
Mauricio Pochettino
Meanwhile, Gary Neville says United should target Pochettino as their new manager, describing the Spurs boss as the “ideal candidate”.
Neville, who won multiple Premier League titles during his spell at Old Trafford under Alex Ferguson, said the departure of the Portuguese boss was a chance to hit the “reset” button.
“I said last season that the next manager of Manchester United should be Mauricio Pochettino,” Neville told Sky Sports News.
“When I look at the values of Manchester United, you look at Mauricio Pochettino’s belief in young players at (previous club) Southampton and with Tottenham.” —