Now the hard work starts warns Poch
TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Spurs have built a platform for success – but admits taking the next step will be the real challenge.
Pochettino arrived at White Hart Lane four years ago with the brief of closing the gap to the top sides.
They battled it out with Leicester for the Premier League title in 2016 but now they are flying and aiming to overtake Liverpool and Manchester City.
“I think we create altogether a massive platform that today Tottenham are enjoying because the players are enjoying it, the fans are enjoying it, we are enjoying it,” he said ahead of today’s clash with Bournemouth.
“Four and a half years ago I think it was a difficult start for everyone. I remember when we arrived in every single press conference in the first six months it was always about how?
“How to reduce the gap at the top? How to be competitive in the big games? How to be consistent? How? How? How?
“After four and a half years I think we’re in a very good position. But now the last step is the most difficult step. It looks so close but sometimes it’s not so close.
“That’s why it’s tough to keep going. But we have the energy and we’re going to try.” While his future may become uncertain if Manchester United move for him in the summer, Pochettino is hoping Christian Eriksen will want to extend his contract beyond 2020 at the club. The Spurs manager, above, added: “Football is so dynamic, it’s about decision, decision, decision and hoping we are going to make the best decisions for the club, hope that the player can make the best decision for them and for their future and the club.”
Solskjaer took charge as caretaker boss last week with United 11 points adrift of the top four. But Saturday’s thumping 5-1 win at Cardiff in his first game and Chelsea’s home defeat to Leicester has seen his side reduce the gap to eight points.
United executive vicechairman Ed Woodward is desperate for the club to secure a top-four finish. Missing out on the Champions League would cost them more than £40m in lost revenue, prize money and sponsorship clauses.
Woodward also knows United have to be competing in club football’s biggest competition to stand a realistic chance of landing their summer transfer targets.
United last failed to secure Champions League qualification in 2016 – and it resulted in Louis Van Gaal being sacked. It also hit United hard in the pocket, so Woodward has decided to offer Solskjaer a huge financial incentive to achieve the aim.
United could win the Champions League this season – they face Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 – but finishing in the top four is a more realistic way to ensure qualification next term. They host relegationthreatened Huddersfield today, when another win would put more pressure on the sides above them.
The potential bonus means Solskjaer could collect £2m on top of his wages for just six months’ work at Old Trafford. It would also improve his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino remains the No1 target to replace Jose Mourinho. But Woodward