Mauricio Pochettino wants to emulate “special” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger by spending 20 years at Tottenham according to an article in FourFourTwo
The article starts by saying bragging rights will be up for grabs when we visit north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, however it says that Mauricio Pochettino has preferred to heap praise on counterpart Wenger.
Wenger is of course the longest-serving manager in England’s top flight having spent 21 years in charge of Arsenal, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup trophies.
And according to the article Pochettino, 45, is keen to follow in the footsteps of 68-year-old Wenger, albeit at Spurs, where he has occupied the dugout since 2014.
“In football history he’s one of the great managers, the same level as [Sir Alex] Ferguson,” Pochettino said. “He will always be a special manager.
“To keep motivation more than three years is difficult. Five years, you must be very good, very good if you’re 10 years. When you talk about 20 years it’s amazing. Everyone who talks about him needs to show respect. Some days you’re good, some days not so good. But [show] respect.
Pochettino added “Wenger was an innovator, ahead of everyone, like Ferguson. It’s difficult to innovate but you must try to create a project under your ideas and philosophies to take you ahead of other clubs. They were ahead. That’s why my respect and admiration is high.”
Pochettino added: “I tell the truth to you. Why show different emotion if you don’t believe that? I need to be honest and fair.
“He is my enemy because he is Arsenal manager but he is my colleague too. What he is doing at Arsenal and as a manager – I would like to be like him one day; 20 years at Tottenham.”
Classy as ever from Mauricio, Wenger despite the rivalry deserves respect and Mauricio remains a class above by praising his opposite number.
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