Mauricio Pochettino is incredibly modest about the crucial part he has played in Kane’s transformation.
When the Argentine tactician arrived from Southampton, he inherited a talented but footballer with a body fat percentage fluctuating between 15-20 and it was no way for any top-class athlete with aspirations of nailing down a place in a Premier League side to go about himself.
Pochettino has a has a gift for developing and nurturing young talent and took his striker to one side and changed his approach to life. Speaking to Sky Sports Pochettino explained: “Sometimes you have to show players a mirror so that they can look at themselves — and they don’t always like what they see.
He added: “In 2014, we found a player with amazing talent but who wasn’t fit.He had to get in shape, players do not always respond or like it.It takes time but he saw the results, he benefitted — and now look at him.
Pochettino added: “He had big players in front of him because Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor were at the club and Harry was behind them both.There was a determination about him but the biggest fight is with yourself, not always with other players.
“He is the model professional. He is focused and he wants to win so much.I see that every day on the training ground with him.”
And now England are also reaping the benefits. Kane is now targeting World Cup glory with the Three Lions and Pochettino believes they are in with a shot.
He added: “A lot of people say Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France, Germany and that is natural — but nobody talks about England.Gareth Southgate has an exceptional group, I don’t think the country realises how good they really are.The next step is to realise their potential and believe they are good enough.
He added: “It is not easy for Gareth to pick his 11 and he has some big choices to make.Tournaments evolve, players start to see the draw opening up and the route they need to take to reach the final.
“After the next game, they will be in a better position to prepare.It could happen, they have one thing every country wants — a proven goalscorer.”
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