Poch is happy to stay at Spurs for the long haul

MAURICIO POCHETTINO says he would sign up for 15 years with Tottenham because he reckons the club can become one of the biggest in the world.

Chairman Daniel Levy has revealed he wants the Argentinian to be their Sir Alex Ferguson, who had 26 trophyladen years with Manchester United. Levy said he would “love nothing more” than Pochettino to stay for 10 to 15 years. On the eve of their thrilling clash with Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, Pochettino insisted Spurs could soon be up there with the Spanish giants when it comes to stature in the world game. “It’s up to him,” said Pochettino about Levy’s comments. “It’s always up to the owner or chairman to decide if you’re a manager for a short time or long period. “I’m so happy. I enjoy my time at Tottenham, it’s a club with big potential, a new stadium and facilities which will be the best in Europe. “And at the same time, we have a competitive team capable of winning a trophy. But I am happy to hear Daniel is being so kind to me, telling everyone what to expect.”

Dip

Spurs are building a new £800m stadium next to their old home at White Hart Lane and, despite the huge outlay, they have not suffered a dip in form.

Temporarily at Wembley, they have won both their Champions League group games so far and are third in the Premier League, having finished runners-up to Chelsea last season.

Pochettino has a shocking personal record against Madrid as a boss.

While with Espanyol, he faced them seven times in La Liga and lost every time, conceding 20 goals and scoring none.

But the 45-year-old insisted tonight’s clash is totally different.

“I only remember ’95 when we won here – the last time Espanyol won here,” joked Pochettino, REAL MADRID (4-4-2): Navas; Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo. TOTTENHAM (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Aurier, Winks, Dier, Trippier; Eriksen, Son; Kane. TOTTENHAM Real Madrid Dortmund APOEL P W D L F A Pt 2 2 0 0 6 1 6 2 2 0 0 6 1 6 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 2 0 0 2 0 6 0