Pochettino says he ‘anticipated’ Spurs downfall after a lack of ‘support’

Mauricio Pochettino says he ‘anticipated’ Tottenham’s downfall after a lack of ‘support’ from chairman Daniel Levy.

Pochettino was surprisingly sacked by the north London side just months after guiding Spurs to a first-ever Champions League final, the Argentine dismissed and replaced by Jose Mourinho after five-and-a-half years in charge.

Despite failing to win silverware during his time with the club, the 48-year-old developed a reputation as one of Europe’s most respected coaches after making significant progress with Spurs, turning the side into Champions League regulars after securing four top-four finishes in five seasons.

Pochettino admits he was happy with life in the Premier League, but admits change was needed after losing the support of the Spurs hierarchy following a disappointing start to the new season.

“I was happy at Tottenham and I signed a contract,” Pochettino told El Pais. “We finished very well, the relationship is impeccable. I always say, we too made mistakes that led to what happened.

“Although we did expect a little more support or reassurance to reverse the situation. But the club line was going another way and there was wear — respite was needed from both sides.”

Pochettino suggested his side overachieved given their success amid a continued lack of investment, before revealing he ‘anticipated’ their downfall ahead of his surprise mid-season departure.

Mauricio Pochettino (Argentine manager): "Once said I'd rather go back to my farm than coaching Barça? I didn't want to disrespect Barcelona, maybe now I wouldn’t say it, you never know what could happen in life." [el país via @LaLigaLowdown] pic.twitter.com/eXgPzIH3sK

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 2, 2020

“We live in a result-based industry where it seems that all the factors that maintain good results are the ones that work,” he said. “But how do you measure what works or not? Is it just the team who wins or the one who exceeds expectations?

“After the Champions League final, four years in the top four, two years without signing, a different management strategy was needed. Sometimes the vision of the coaching staff is not accepted by the club management.

“We anticipated what could happen. You need to fall, be down and then go up. But Tottenham made the decision to separate us after five and a half years. I understand that it is a long time.”

The former Southampton boss is yet to return to football but has been linked with a host of Europe’s leading clubs, Barcelona reportedly considering an approach for Pochettino as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Pochettino says his next club must be one which fits his ‘ideas’ and capable of challenging for silverware, admitting a return to the Premier League is a possibility despite the potential of ‘new challenges’ elsewhere.

“It is to find a club that goes hand in hand with the ideas we have and that we believe can bring you closer to success.

“When that offer arrives, we will all say yes.

“We adapt well to the Premier League but we are open to new challenges.”

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