"We needed a divorce" - Daniel Levy lifts the lid on Mauricio Pochettino sacking
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has claimed that sacking Mauricio Pochettino was the hardest decision he has had to make in football and has suggested that the Argentine could one day return to the club, per The London Evening Standard.
What’s the word?
The Argentine was sacked in November and, within 12 hours, replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Pochettino, of course, spent over five years in north London, overseeing two Premier League title challenges and also a run to the Champions League final.
However, the club’s form nosedived and his last game in charge was a 1-1 home draw with Sheffield United, which left the club in 14th place in the table.
Asked if the decision was one of the most difficult managerial changes Levy has had to make, he said: “Yes, because you have to understand I had built up a personal relationship with Mauricio over five-and-a-half years.
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“It is not something I ever wanted. Personally, it was incredibly difficult, I told him that and he understood. He’s been in football, he understands.
“It’s not personal and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger and get an opportunity to manage another great club.”
Asked if he could one day make a comeback, Levy added: “Why not? I don’t close the door on anything.”
Nevertheless, the Spurs supremo refused to be drawn on the exact reasons behind Pochettino’s exit.
He added: “I’m not going to sit here and analyse the past. It’s not productive. Mauricio did a fantastic job, we are very grateful. I wish him all the best for the future. I’m still in contact with him.
“My relationship is very good with him. It just got to the point where it felt we needed a divorce.”
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A sad day
Usually, when managers are sacked, fans can understand. There has normally been a downturn in form and the decision has been coming but, here, the sacking appeared to come completely out of left field.
His axing was met by a wave of shock and genuine grief on Twitter; Pochettino had done all he could to make Spurs into a powerhouse and he succeeded in making the club into Champions League regulars. They were 90 minutes away from being Champions League winners.
But this interview from Levy is likely to soothe the wounds of supporters who continue to miss the Argentine.
Of course, Mourinho is doing his work and has overseen four league wins out of a possible five; Pochettino, though, is always going to retain a fond place in the hearts of a number of supporters.
That he does for Levy too is sure to put a smile on the face on most Spurs fans.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have reacted to a link with a Championship ace.
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