Ex-Tottenham player Gus Poyet asserts that Mauricio Pochettino is the ideal candidate to succeed Antonio Conte at Spurs, but it seems Chelsea is poised to secure the Argentine’s services.
Four years have passed since Pochettino guided Tottenham to the Champions League final. However, the team’s recent 6-1 loss to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park felt like an eternity ago. Following the defeat, interim manager Cristian Stellini was dismissed, paving the way for Ryan Mason to oversee the final matches of a dismal season.
Poyet is convinced that Tottenham may miss the opportunity to reappoint the man who could restore success to the club. “If you ask me a week ago; ‘Which coach is the best one for Tottenham now’? I would say Pochettino. 100 per cent,” Poyet shares with talkSPORT.
The Telegraph reports that the former Argentina international is close to replacing Graham Potter at Chelsea.
Poyet highlights Pochettino’s ability to develop young players like Luke Shaw, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker, and Harry Kane during his time at Southampton and Tottenham. With talents such as Noni Madueke, Datro Fofana, Conor Gallagher, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Enzo Fernandez, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount in the Chelsea squad, Poyet believes Pochettino’s coaching would be advantageous.
However, this would require Chelsea’s owners, including Todd Boehly, to grant Pochettino the freedom to build a team in his vision. Poyet questions Chelsea’s objectives, asking whether they aim to win or establish a youth-oriented culture. He notes Pochettino’s success with young players at Southampton and Spurs, suggesting that a coach with such a reputation could be the owner’s intention.
Poyet concludes, “I think it is clever, in a way.”
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