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Pochettino ‘honoured’ to coach Tottenham

Former Soton boss becomes Spurs’ 10th manager in 13 years.

Afp May 28, 2014 1 min read

There is an abundance of topclass talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad, said Mauricio Pochettino. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON: Tottenham’s new manager Mauricio Pochettino pledged to fulfil the club’s desire for success with style after being hired on a five-year contract on Tuesday.

Pochettino was tipped to take charge at White Hart Lane following the recent sacking of Tim Sherwood and the Premier League club confirmed they have persuaded the former Argentina defender, who had earned widespread praise during his time as Southampton boss, to quit his post at St Mary’s and move to north London.

Pochettino, who will work under Spurs director of football Franco Baldini, admitted he was delighted to be given the opportunity to manage a club of Tottenham’s stature.

The 42-year-old, Tottenham’s 10th permanent manager in the last 13 years, promised to stay faithful to the club’s philosophy of attacking play, while also achieving their desire to play in the Champions League on a regular basis.

“This is a club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to be its head coach,” said Pochettino.

“There is an abundance of top-class talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad. Tottenham have a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion the fans show for this team.

“We are determined to give the supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve.”

Having arrived at Southampton in January 2013 as a relative unknown, former Espanyol boss Pochettino’s possession-based, attacking game and focus on home-grown talent has impressed, as have his on-field results.

Saints managed their best-ever Premier League finish of eighth last season, while young talents like Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez, Sam Gallagher and Calum Chambers all thrived under the Argentine’s leadership.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2014.

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