TOP FOUR MAUR SPECIAL
MAURICIO POCHETTINO claims getting Tottenham into the Champions League is a greater achievement than Barcelona winning La Liga. The Argentine coach (left) also reckons he helped pull off something amazing as a player with Barca’s city rivals Espanyol, when they won Copa del Rey in 2000 and 2006. Pochettino, 45, has yet to lift a trophy in eight seasons as a manager, the last three with Tottenham. But Spurs are second in the Premier League, four points behind Chelsea, and qualified for Europe’s top competition last season before going on to crash out in the group stages. Hitting back at those who have pointed to the lack of silverware, Pochettino said: “At Spurs, you always like a manager and a player who lifts the trophies. But come on!
“Here is a massive success. Yes, you can win titles. But with which teams? It’s normal to win titles with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, maybe Juventus, Porto in Portugal.
“With a big team, you are already very close to winning.
Success
“Look at Barcelona with Pep Guardiola, with Tito Vilanova, with Frank Rijkaard, with Luis Enrique.
“All different managers but with the same group of players and they were successful.
“Success for me is to finish in the top four like last season.
“It was a big success for Tottenham and means maybe more than winning one title with Barcelona.
“I dream of lifting trophies, but the way I did with Espanyol. Two Copa del Rey – with Espanyol!
“That is why I admire Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
“It is so difficult to win with Atletico Madrid. He deserves more credit maybe than some.”
In what was clearly a reality check for fans, Pochettino pointed out again how Spurs were challenging despite splashing out £800m on a new stadium.
He added: “The club is still growing up and now maybe we need to wait a little while the club arrives and finishes the stadium.
“That moment will be the moment to push, and try to win.
“But if this season we can win, or next season we can win some titles, it’s welcome.”
Doubts have surfaced about league leaders Chelsea’s staying power after two defeats in their last four games, at home to Crystal Palace and a 2-0 loss at Manchester United six days ago.