Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has become the first high profile Premier League manager to voice his dissatisfaction with the decision to close the transfer window earlier in England than in other leading European countries.
In past seasons most top flight bosses have complained about the unsettling effects of having the window open after the Premier League season had begun. For this reason, EPL clubs ratified the decision to close the window early from this season on, with the deadline for this campaign set for August 9, the day before Manchester United face Leicester in the opening fixture.
However, due to the World Cup, English clubs now face a race against time get any new signings wrapped up in the next 10 days.
Another major issue, especially for clubs competing in the Champions League, is that other leading European clubs will still have until the end of the month to complete their own transfer dealing, and just as importantly, will still be able to unsettle Premier League players until their own window’s close.
While the general consensus amongst EPL bosses is that they are happy with the window closing early, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has broken rank and admitted he thinks the decision will ultimately be harmful to Premier League clubs.
“Personally I think it’s not right. In that situation,” Pochettino told the press ahead of his sides pre-season friendly against AC Milan.
“I think it didn’t help or it’s not going to help the Premier League clubs or the clubs in England to have the same possibility as another contender, because we are going to compete in the Champions League and to have 20 days less is I think not a thing that is going to help you.”
