MX23RW : Tuesday, January 8 07:43:58

Mauricio Pochettino wants to finish his career at Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino wants to finish his career at Tottenham
© Reuters
Pochettino has transformed the fortunes of Tottenham during his five-year spell.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says he hopes to emulate what Arsene Wenger did at Arsenal and stay at the club for 20 years, but would like to ask the Frenchman whether it was worth it.

Wenger, who left the Gunners last year after a 22-year stay, but was heavily criticised for the latter part of his stay as he failed to regularly challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

The backdrop to that, though, was the club's move to the Emirates Stadium, which significantly cut their spending power and Spurs are set to enter a similar situation as costs for their new stadium have escalated to over £1billion.

Pochettino has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid, though says he sees his long-term future at Spurs – not that he would want it to end like Wenger's reign across north London did.

"I have massive, huge respect for Arsene Wenger because when you talk about 22 years in charge of a club like Arsenal and all that happened in that period, you need to be so good," Pochettino, who never enjoyed a close relationship with the Frenchman, said.

"Not only a fantastic coach but a great human being to display the values you have. It's amazing.

"That is why it is a little bit sad the way it ended at his club. It shows how difficult it is this business a business it is a passion.

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea – Premier League – Wembley Stadium
Mauricio Pochettino would like to end his career with Tottenham (John Walton/PA)

"All that Arsene Wenger gave for Arsenal, to finish in the way it finished, yes, was a little bit unfair. And I think he deserves an amazing recognition about his work.

"Only I hope, if I have the opportunity to talk with him is to ask if, 'Was it worth it to do?', I don't know what he would say, I would like to ask one day.

"I hope, or I wish to be here 20 years, and decide to leave or to finish my career here.

"But I don't know because I need to ask him one day if I have the possibility if he is so happy in the way that he finished.

"What I saw from my point of view, it was so unfair how the people treated him and talked. But we'll see."

Huddersfield Town v Arsenal – Premier League – John Smith's Stadium
Arsene Wenger spent 22 years at Arsenal (Mike Egerton/PA)

While Tottenham have not got the spending power of other clubs at the top of the English game, Pochettino has developed a young, exciting side and they are about to move into a state-of-the-art new stadium.

Pochettino insists Spurs will be one of most exciting jobs in the world and expects the silverware to start to rolling in soon.

"Daniel Levy is creating a legacy that is going to be amazing for the club," he said. "I can see in the future Tottenham winning trophies.

"I don't know if that will be with us, without us, in one year, in five years.

Tottenham Hotspur New Stadium Construction
Tottenham will soon move to a brand new stadium (Steven Paston/PA)

"But all the foundations are down for one day to start to win titles and be like another successful club.

"But its difficult for the people because the people are talking about today, today, today. But the vision of the future is that Tottenham are going to be one of the most exciting clubs in the world.

"Not only in England. In the world and that is sometimes difficult to tell you but that is why I think Daniel Levy deserves [credit].

"I am so focused here, and want to help the club to achieve what the club want to be in history, because we are helping the club to finish all the facilities and maybe we can win in that way.

"It would be fantastic. I am so happy to be here. I am so happy to work in that pressure. Why not."


Click here for more stories about Mauricio Pochettino

Click here for more stories about Tottenham Hotspur

Share this article now:
Harry Kane celebrates scoring for Tottenham Hotspur against Cardiff City on January 1, 2019.
Read Next:
Combined XI: Spurs vs. Chelsea
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool21173149103954
2Manchester CityMan City21162356173950
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs21160546212548
4Chelsea21135338162244
5Arsenal21125446311541
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd21115543321138
7Leicester CityLeicester219482523231
8Watford218583031-129
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves218582325-229
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham218492932-328
11Everton217683131027
12Bournemouth2183103140-927
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton217592429-526
14Crystal Palace2164111926-722
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2146111529-1418
16Burnley2153132142-2118
17Cardiff CityCardiff2153131941-2218
18Southampton2137112138-1716
19Fulham2135131947-2814
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2124151337-2410

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account