Pochettino’s not willing to judge either Mourinho or Solskjaer
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is not focused on the goings on at Manchester United ahead of their Premier League showdown today.
Pochettino is widely reported to be United’s first choice to take over from caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford in the summer.
The Argentinian, who has said he would like to stay at Spurs for the next 20 years, was not willing to give an answer to why United have improved so dramatically since his friend Jose Mourinho’s sacking, with Solskjaer winning his first five games in charge. He said: “I think from the distance it’s so difficult. Of course I cannot be unfair with both managers. After Mourinho the reality is they’ve won five games in a row.
“Always you know that when a new person arrives, or manager, it’s like refreshing the atmosphere at the club.
“It’s a new voice that motivates you. But of course I’m not going to judge. It’s so unfair to judge Ole because he’s won five games or lost five games.
“It’s not fair to judge in both ways and it’s not fair to judge Mourinho’s job. Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world. For different reasons that I don’t know, cannot perceive, his relationship stopped with the club.
“Of course for me only I am focused on trying to win the game. Because we know that we need the three points to be in that race for the Premier League, to be in the top four, for the end of the season to be there.
“I have huge respect for Mourinho and of course for Solksjaer. I cannot talk about what happened and what is happening.”
United have been in Dubai this week on a warm-weather training camp, while Spurs were involved in midweek Carabao Cup action, beating Chelsea 1-0.
Pochettino, though, does not think that will have an effect and says the reverse fixture, which Spurs won 3-0, will have even less bearing.
“The team is in very good form. Of course to win five games always builds confidence – your self-belief, your ego is high,” Pochettino said of his opponents.
“They had the whole week to prepare in Dubai in a very good atmosphere and we had the semi-final against Chelsea,
but that is not an excuse to say we’re not going to compete.
“Of course it’s going to be competitive and I’m going to try to enjoy the game, because football for me is not a drama.”
Jesse Lingard wants to put on a show at Wembley as United look to continue their excellent recent form.
Caretaker manager Solskjaer has emulated Sir Matt Busby’s five-match winning start to life at the helm in all competitions, although the level of opponent has yet to provide the 1999 treble hero with a genuine test.
Today’s clash with Spurs is sure to be their toughest match to date, but Lingard expressed the confidence around the United squad after bonding further in Dubai. He said: “It’s going to be tough but, with the run we’ve been on at the moment and the form we’ve had, we back ourselves 100%.
“So, we go there with the full intention of winning and getting the three points. We’re on a great run at the moment, so to carry it on against Tottenham and to get the win would be perfect.”
It is also a chance for United to exact revenge after Pochettino oversaw an eye-catching 3-0 win at Old Trafford in August.
Lingard started that loss, but the renewed positive emphasis under Solskjaer means entertainment is his main focus.
He added: “It’ll be exciting. Obviously, as a Man United team, we’re there to entertain and get people off their seats, so that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”