A serious look at Mauricio Pochettino

LilyWhiteSpur

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I’m not at all sure Pochettino will want to leave Spurs for United this Summer, and even less sure he will want it enough to make United answer Levy’s demands.

I might imagine though that both the name and the assumed war chest would oose a strong lure to him. Was the situation all that dissimilar when he after a fairly short while left the then very well run Southampton set up to join the then not so well situated Tottenham? Then, I believe Sot’on were on a 8th, 7th, 6th run, while Spurs where around 4th, 5th, 6th under Redknapp, Villas-Boas and Sherwood, am I right? Why did he leave Southampton at the time if not for the opportunity to purchase and keep a higher level of players?

I don’t find it implausible any way, that he would think United could give him an even better base to purchase an even higher level of players for the next five years. Is he sure Spurs can keep Kane for another five years? I don’t know. It might be tempting for him.
The reasons why he left Southampton are pretty well reported, and also have been stated in this thread. There was a lot more going on than just him wanting a new club.
 

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The increased pressure and expectation that comes with United might be too much for him. I'm sure he'd do well here, but I won't be bothered if he doesn't come.

The delusion that Spurs are somehow more tempting than the biggest club in the country is quite amusing. If Poch wants a club with the ambition and financial clout to compete regularly for trophies, it's a no brainer for him to leave.
 

giorno

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What do you make of the rumours about Perez being keen on Jose taking over management of Real?
Terrified. On the one hand, they sound like a lot of bs. On the other hand, it's Florentino Perez....the guy hired Benitez right after he failed at Napoli and he didn't even particularly believe in Benitez in the first place. He never believed managers mattered at all, except for Mourinho

So yeah...terrified
 

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Terrified. On the one hand, they sound like a lot of bs. On the other hand, it's Florentino Perez....the guy hired Benitez right after he failed at Napoli and he didn't even particularly believe in Benitez in the first place. He never believed managers mattered at all, except for Mourinho

So yeah...terrified
I thought Jose looked burnt out when he left Chelsea, and nothing he did at United changed my opinion of that. The guy needs a year or two off (with his sizeable payoff!) and then maybe we'll see the real Jose again.
 

giorno

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So many who don't seem to understand thag what Pochettinp wants doesn't really matter. What matters is what Levy wants, and unless Woodward or Florentino or whoever gives himwhat he wants Poch won't be available. It's clear Pochettino's contract doesn't include any buyout or termination clause. Levy could pay him to sit on his couch for years if he wants. And he will sooner do that than let him walk without getting massive compensation
 

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The reasons why he left Southampton are pretty well reported, and also have been stated in this thread. There was a lot more going on than just him wanting a new club.
Sorry if I’m not well enough informed here, could you give me a quick rehash or point me to a page where I could understand more about tjat?
 

Boycott

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So many who don't seem to understand thag what Pochettinp wants doesn't really matter. What matters is what Levy wants, and unless Woodward or Florentino or whoever gives himwhat he wants Poch won't be available. It's clear Pochettino's contract doesn't include any buyout or termination clause. Levy could pay him to sit on his couch for years if he wants. And he will sooner do that than let him walk without getting massive compensation
That's true to a point. If Poch handed in his resignation having privately agreed a deal with Utd I am guessing Levy could in theory put him on gardening leave preventing him to take the Utd job. But that does nobody any good.

If Poch really wants it (and I mean desperately, not just "well if Daniel says it's ok to go...") then he'll signal his intent.
 

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The increased pressure and expectation that comes with United might be too much for him. I'm sure he'd do well here, but I won't be bothered if he doesn't come.

The delusion that Spurs are somehow more tempting than the biggest club in the country is quite amusing. If Poch wants a club with the ambition and financial clout to compete regularly for trophies, it's a no brainer for him to leave.
It's not as simplistic as this, though.

I've stayed out of the will he stay/won't he stay debate thus far (because I'm mostly just happy to wait and see rather than speculating) but it's not a case of us being more tempting than you. If Pochettino was unemployed and could choose either job, of course he would pick Manchester United. You're a far bigger club, with more resources and an incredible history. There's no doubting this and I don't think many of our sane fans would think that we can compete against you for players or managers in a straight fight.

The situation here is different though. Pochettino has invested years in to the club and we're about to move in to an incredible new stadium (Alright, it's just a stadium but it does have the feel of representing a new era for the club) and you have to feel that Pochettino will want to complete his project. He's already settled here, with a long contract, and is worshipped by the fans. That's a difficult position for anybody to leave, he would be walking away from a position where he's very comfortable before even seeing the job through.

Alright, so on the outside United are an incredible opportunity. Big name, big money to spend. You're also a tremendous risk which has killed the careers and reputations of 3 managers in a row. With your name comes the weight of expectations beyond the ability of your playing squad, fans who both want free flowing football but also seem to demand trophies because 'we're Manchester United' without understanding that means little when teams have stopped fearing you.

There's talent in your team, but I also see players who simply will not function under Pochettino and will be difficult to move on from the club because you've already handed them insane contracts. You have some that I think Pochettino could work with (Herrera, Martial, Rashford, Lindelof etc) but also a lot of players who are past their prime and won't work in a high pressing system. Players signed by Pochettino quite often take a season or so to adapt to his demands (Son being the best example) so even though you have money, it's going to take multiple windows until you get a team which fits his vision. In that time it's perfectly possible you could miss out on Europe again, go on a trophy doubt .. even not play particularly amazing football, we certainly didn't in his first season at the club.

Problem is, the media will be all over him like a rash in that scenario. Pochettino knows this, he knows he won't get time to apply his long term vision at the club if he fails in the short term. You aren't the same Manchester United who gave Ferguson time, you're like every other cash rich club. That's a hell of a risk for him to take considering he's still a young manager, working in London for a top 4 club where he's loved and has invested time. He's an intelligent man who will have considered all these factors, and I have no doubts that he's attracted to the idea of resurrecting a fallen giant and working with the biggest club in the country. To say otherwise would be delusional, but it would also be delusional to suggest he'll run to United without a thought, I'm absolutely certain that he will be weighing up both the pros and the cons of a potential move.
 
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giorno

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That's true to a point. If Poch handed in his resignation having privately agreed a deal with Utd I am guessing Levy could in theory put him on gardening leave preventing him to take the Utd job. But that does nobody any good.

If Poch really wants it (and I mean desperately, not just "well if Daniel says it's ok to go...") then he'll signal his intent.
Again, you're dealing with Levy here. He's not letting Poch go, particularly to a direct rival, without getting something in return. He'll bleed you dry
 

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The only player I’m concerned will leave is Eriksen, and I think he is waiting to see what happens in the future. Jose wanted Dier in the summer and I would say a good number of clubs would be interested in Son, not quite sure why you think their would not be, a very good player to have both on and off the field.

It’s amazing how such a shit bunch of players is third in the league, in the semis of the league cup and seemingly improving. Truely astounding.
It’s a good team, never said otherwise. It’s definitely one of the 4 best teams in England and probably close to being a top 10 team in Europe.

Son and Dier won’t generate top club interest because they’d be crazy expensive and would not improve Barca, Real or PSG who are probably the only clubs that could afford them.
 

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Again, you're dealing with Levy here. He's not letting Poch go, particularly to a direct rival, without getting something in return. He'll bleed you dry
I agree with you but I believe United will do all they can if Pochettino really wants it. Again if he's not really that bothered right now about leaving Spurs then there will be a limit before you go to Zidane or someone else, but Poch is by far the first choice.
 

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Again, you're dealing with Levy here. He's not letting Poch go, particularly to a direct rival, without getting something in return. He'll bleed you dry
No one knows the details of Pochettino's contract. Frankly I'm very surprised he would sign such a long contract without anyway out of it. Seems very odd with the Real Madrid and other big jobs being likely available during the contract. Even more especially given his "be brave and take risks" comments about the summer window:

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...o-spurs-future-daniel-levy-spending-transfers

I am wondering if there could be some kind of release clause in his contract that Utd are aware of.
 

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Look guys, Poch isn't leaving Spurs to go to United. Stop dreaming about it, it isn't happening.:D
Yea, I have huge doubts as well and this may just be a distraction for Zidane. Why would United ignore a three time managerial champions league winner? In addition, why would Pochettino want to leave his ongoing project at Spurs for a very risky tenure at United where there is a higher risk of failure?

Even though Pochettino is a more ideal candidate, Zidane seems a more realistic target.
 

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I think this move needs to happen for United's sake. Not only is he an excellent manager with a track record in the PL but more importantly this will weaken a direct rival. I don't think Levy will sanction this though and if he does a) it will be VERY expensive b) Spurs will need a ready-made replacement lined-up (I can't think of anyone ATM).
 

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If it is true there is no release clause then Levy does hold the strings.

Poch cannot put in his resignation because Levy being Levy will put him on gardening leave which means he wouldn't be able to take the job next summer. That's why Marco Silva despite admitting he wanted to join Everton last season didn't quit Watford to free himself because doing that would cheat Watford out of compensation and that opens up a legal can of worms and no job is worth that.

It will have to be Woodward-Levy going head to head with Poch signalling he wants to go. I do not think he is that desperate to leave Spurs to the point he will put Levy into a corner. He might think the United or Madrid job will come up in the future again.
 

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It's not as simplistic as this, though.

I've stayed out of the will he stay/won't he stay debate thus far (because I'm mostly just happy to wait and see rather than speculating) but it's not a case of us being more tempting than you. If Pochettino was unemployed and could choose either job, of course he would pick Manchester United. You're a far bigger club, with more resources and an incredible history. There's no doubting this and I don't think many of our sane fans would think that we can compete against you for players or managers in a straight fight.

The situation here is different though. Pochettino has invested years in to the club and we're about to move in to an incredible new stadium (Alright, it's just a stadium but it does have the feel of representing a new era for the club) and you have to feel that Pochettino will want to complete his project. He's already settled here, with a long contract, and is worshipped by the fans. That's a difficult position for anybody to leave, he would be walking away from a position where he's very comfortable before even seeing the job through.

Alright, so on the outside United are an incredible opportunity. Big name, big money to spend. You're also a tremendous risk which has killed the careers and reputations of 3 managers in a row. With your name comes the weight of expectations beyond the ability of your playing squad, fans who both want free flowing football but also seem to demand trophies because 'we're Manchester United' without understanding that means little when teams have stopped fearing you.

There's talent in your team, but I also see players who simply will not function under Pochettino and will be difficult to move on from the club because you've already handed them insane contracts. You have some that I think Pochettino could work with (Herrera, Martial, Rashford, Lindelof etc) but also a lot of players who are past their prime and won't work in a high pressing system. Players signed by Pochettino quite often take a season or so to adapt to his demands (Son being the best example) so even though you have money, it's going to take multiple windows until you get a team which fits his vision. In that time it's perfectly possible you could miss out on Europe again, go on a trophy doubt .. even not play particularly amazing football, we certainly didn't in his first season at the club.

Problem is, the media will be all over him like a rash in that scenario. Pochettino knows this, he knows he won't get time to apply his long term vision at the club if he fails in the short term. You aren't the same Manchester United who gave Ferguson time, you're like every other cash rich club. That's a hell of a risk for him to take considering he's still a young manager, working in London for a top 4 club where he's loved and has invested time. He's an intelligent man who will have considered all these factors, and I have no doubts that he's attracted to the idea of resurrecting a fallen giant and working with the biggest club in the country. To say otherwise would be delusional, but it would also be delusional to suggest he'll run to United without a thought, we're talking about an intelligent man who will no doubt be weighing up the pros and cons of moving.

You make some good points, although I think the board have learnt from the shit approach since Fergie left. The continual rumours of united scouting for a director of football, the talk of bringing a feelgood factor and attractive football back to the club when briefing about Solskjaer. It seems that we're about to embark on a rebuilding project and with a DOF, it could be a process that takes a few years, and the board will know that. They will need a manager to spearhead that project, and it could be tempting for somebody with ambition.

In terms of our playing staff, we do have to clear some dead wood, but we have some youngsters that look potentially very good, and some established first teamers that are playing well below their abilities. I think Pogba, Lingard, Martial, Fred, Rashford, Sanchez, Pereira, Dalot and Shaw could all adapt to a pressing system. It's fitting, promoting and/or purchasing players around them to make it all work.

It's all down to how much Poch and United want to make it happen. I think the club would throw bundles of cash at Levy if they think he's the right man. Of course, we could all be barking up the wrong tree and he might not even be under consideration.
 

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Who you would you propose we get instead? There aren’t many - any - options out there who are proven at ‘environments’ like Manchester United.
Honestly I don't know who else. Especially not without having a good think anyway.

My point about Poch was made from what I've observed about him. He is tetchy and defensive with certain criticisms. Anyway, I've just noticed it about him over the years, and that makes me doubt he would be able to cope. He would need to hit the ground running - getting results immediately (and that's not very realistic is it?). Otherwise, the press that so protects him now, won't be doing that once he's a United manager. They need their disgusting headlines after all.

It's not just a talented, progressive manager we need, he's also got to have the thickest of skins to survive here. I just don't see him as that sort of personality. All my personal opinion of course.
 

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So do United to be fair, if your persuit does end fruitless, no other top manager will want to be seen as second choice, why would they? I would say United have set a dead line for the possibility and they will move on ....
Yep. United run the big risk of repeating the same old mistakes: pursuing the unobtainable, thus wasting their time whilst meanwhile the realistic alternatives slip through their fingers.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush ... and Pochettino lives deep in the jungle.
 

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I see. If it were to happen, then I guess at least he would know our players from watching them many years in this league so we wouldn't have that awkward phase of testing out every player. I guess he already could take an educated guess and blindly fix like 3 positions in January lowkey. I mean it is so long overdue in quite a few positions that everybody pretty much agrees what needs to happen.
You think that has ever happened before? What about City, did they actually prepare like that for Pep, doesn't sound legal does it though? I mean for a manager of a certain club, to unofficially give a transfer-list to his possibly next club so they can prepare for him?
City didnt need to consult Guardiola all that much. Txiki knows him inside out and would be able to recruit for him quite easily. For example, I can see Sterling being scouted as his next Pedro.
 

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Poch doesn't sound too clever does he? Why on earth tie yourself to a 5 year contract with no release clause? It's either he's super naive or he just wants to stay where he is.

On another note, I'm annoyed United let it be known they're interested in him. Not really fair to Spurs is it with all this crazy speculation about.
 

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No one knows the details of Pochettino's contract. Frankly I'm very surprised he would sign such a long contract without anyway out of it. Seems very odd with the Real Madrid and other big jobs being likely available during the contract. Even more especially given his "be brave and take risks" comments about the summer window:

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...o-spurs-future-daniel-levy-spending-transfers

I am wondering if there could be some kind of release clause in his contract that Utd are aware of.
Why would United be aware of it but other suitors wouldn't? :confused:
 

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Not surprised. He's not worth it United, move on.
How are the Sun party to the details of the contract? Let's wait and see what happens. He had Spurs over a barrel when he signed it. Would be negligence on the part of his agent not to put something in it if a dream job came up.
 

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Why would United be aware of it but other suitors wouldn't? :confused:
He doesn’t have a release clause.

How are the Sun party to the details of the contract? Let's wait and see what happens. He had Spurs over a barrel when he signed it. Would be negligence on the part of his agent not to put something in it if a dream job came up.
He doesn’t have an agent, how did he have us over a barrel?
 

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GlastonSpur

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No, I understand why they have stayed so far. These are mostly young players who want to progress and Spurs are a good place for that currently. I don’t understand why anyone would commit to 4 or 5 year deals though because it’s very hard to escape a club managed by Levy when you want to do that and it’s not unthinkable that the likes of Kane or Eriksen would like something more at some point in their careers.

Players still do leave when presented a chance to go and win trophies. Walker just did that a year ago.

Eriksen I think will leave within 2 years. He could play for a CL contender. Alderweireld will probably go next year. Not sure if Alli or Kane will leave that soon though. The rest of the team is not that amazing so I don’t anticipate huge transfers there. Doubt there’s a big market for Lamela, Dier, Sissoko or even Son.

There’s a good chance Pochettino will join United in the Summer though and I would expect a few of moves to follow but probably not Kane or Alli.
So just as I said, you admit being baffled as to why Spurs players keep signing long-term contracts, so it's hardly surprising that your predictions of "eventual" departures are not persuasive, especially when "eventually" could mean 2, 3 or 4 years down the line. And if all these players would leave if presented with a chance to do so, how come they signed new contracts?

I guess you are equally baffled as to why Pochettino signed a new, long-term contract, so likewise your "good chance" prediction stands on shaky ground.

As for Walker, that's been done to death already: Spurs had Trippier coming up through the ranks, got £50m, and so were OK with letting Walker go.
 

Patrick08

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We hardly have a midfield contingent right now pochettino would like to work with.
 

hellohello

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United can have Pochettino, if they also take Levy, swap the players, staff and all facilities. Oh, and we also swap logo and name of the club.
 

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:lol: at Spurs. Enjoy dealing with 5 months of this shit like we have had to whenever Madrid try to tap our players up.
We have been dealing with this every single year since Poch came here - if it's not Poch leaving it's Kane, if it's not Kane it's Eriksen, if it's not Eriksen it's Alli. We are used to it.
 

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So many who don't seem to understand thag what Pochettinp wants doesn't really matter. What matters is what Levy wants, and unless Woodward or Florentino or whoever gives himwhat he wants Poch won't be available. It's clear Pochettino's contract doesn't include any buyout or termination clause. Levy could pay him to sit on his couch for years if he wants. And he will sooner do that than let him walk without getting massive compensation
No, looks like you are the one who doesnt understand how manager contract works. Typically there is no release clause in manager contract (not sure if there are exceptions) .

If Poch wants to join us, he will join us. Levy will have no say in it.
 

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Poch doesn't sound too clever does he? Why on earth tie yourself to a 5 year contract with no release clause? It's either he's super naive or he just wants to stay where he is.

On another note, I'm annoyed United let it be known they're interested in him. Not really fair to Spurs is it with all this crazy speculation about.
Poch did not use an agent. He negotiated his contact with the club by himself, man to man style. Does that make him stupid? Or does that signal his happiness with the club and his role at the club?
 

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If Poch wants to go and tells Levy such, I will expect Levy to get the best deal possible and move on. I will be a bit dissapointed with Poch but such is football, we will move on with someone else, again I don’t see it happening but that’s just my opinion. I’m not 12 and won’t be bricking it.
I think this is a very rational view.

Man Utd is obviously a bigger club. But are we as attractive as we once where? Spurs supporters is entitled imo to believe he is staying, it’s nothing OT about that.

Personally I think he will move to Manchester. Ed will make it his personal mission, he will have loads of promises from the board and will be paid extremely well. With that being said that ain’t written in stone and it’s a very good chance he will stay.
 

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Poch doesn't sound too clever does he? Why on earth tie yourself to a 5 year contract with no release clause? It's either he's super naive or he just wants to stay where he is.

On another note, I'm annoyed United let it be known they're interested in him. Not really fair to Spurs is it with all this crazy speculation about.
Desperation causes clubs in dire straights to behave in desperate ways.

United are in a right old mess. They extend Mourninho's contract, then they sack him at huge expense because of said contract. They sign players by chucking huge wages at them, then can't get rid of the duffers because no other club will pay such wages for the players concerned. They start off talking big about title challenges and how much money they have to spend, but now they face a 4th time outside in the top 4 in the space of just six seasons.
 

balaks

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Poch doesn't sound too clever does he? Why on earth tie yourself to a 5 year contract with no release clause? It's either he's super naive or he just wants to stay where he is.

On another note, I'm annoyed United let it be known they're interested in him. Not really fair to Spurs is it with all this crazy speculation about.
Which one is most likely would you say?