Dele Alli opens up on his relationship with Pochettino at Spurs – ‘A big change’

Dele Alli has opened up on the special relationship that he shared with Mauricio Pochettino in the four and a half years that they spent together at Tottenham.

Alli proved to be a revelation in his first couple of seasons at Spurs after arriving from MK Dons in the summer of 2015. 

Although Dele did have a few injury issues in the subsequent two years and was not as consistent as he would have liked, the England international continued to be a vital part of the Tottenham side. 

However, that has changed under Mourinho this season, with Alli very much relegated to a bit-part role. 

There was a considerable amount of speculation in January linking the 24-year-old with a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain but the transfer never materialised. 

Mourinho has opened the door for Alli to stake his claim for a place in the starting eleven, with the Spurs boss admitting a couple of weeks ago that the midfielder can be an important player for the side if he returns to his best.

However, Alli admitted that the relationship he had with Mourinho’s predecessor was special as it extended beyond football.

The Spurs star is quoted by The Sun as saying: “I was very lucky to have a manager like Pochettino.

“He was an unbelievable guy and very experienced.

“He would pull me in if I was doing dumb stuff and speak with me. Not like a dad — but that sort of vibe.

“There was a big change between Poch and Mourinho, the way they handled everything, it was a lot different.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Alli has not said anything here that we already do not know as it was always evident that he had a special bond with Pochettino. However, Mourinho to his credit has said that he is ready to hand the midfielder opportunities to show that he can contribute to the side. It is now up to the 24-year-old to take his chances.

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