Former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho comments on Spurs’ struggles this season and which manager he wants to see in N17 next.
When he made the jump from Brentford to Tottenham in the summer, Thomas Frank would have undoubtedly expected there to be more pressure and media scrutiny.
However, even the Dane may have been surprised and shocked by the size of the challenge that lies before him.
Just a few months into his Spurs career, Frank has already seen his substitutions booed by the Tottenham faithful, even though the Lilywhites sit fifth in the table and are unbeaten in the Champions League.
Pundits have already said that Frank will not be able to deliver the style of football Spurs fans expect, and it appears that a couple of more bad results could even lead to calls for his departure.
Paulinho wants to see Mauricio Pochettino back at Tottenham
Earlier this year, Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he still has unfinished business at Tottenham and would like to return to the club one day to win a trophy.
Just last week, Pochettino once again spoke about how close he came to winning big trophies at Spurs, opening the door for a return to the Premier League in the future.
Paulinho played just one season under the Argentine at White Hart Lane, but he admits he would love to see his former head coach back at N17.
The Brazilian said in an interview with Stats Perform (as relayed by beIN SPORTS): “Pochettino was a manager whose work I really liked, his day-to-day dynamics, the content, so he stayed at Tottenham for many years and really achieved impressive results.
“If he feels he has unfinished business, then he has to go back. But he’s a manager who did a wonderful job at Tottenham, let’s say. It’s not just good, it’s not just very good, it’s wonderful, for all the seasons he was there.
“So, if one day, I think if he has the opportunity to return, I think he would have that other chance and then maybe continue the story that was interrupted.”
Paulinho says Spurs’ inconsistency is not a surprise
The former Tottenham midfielder put Tottenham’s tendency to blow hot and cold this season down to the increased competitiveness of the Premier League.
The 37-year-old is hopeful that his former side’s fortunes will turn around sooner rather than later.
When asked about Tottenham’s struggles this season, Paulinho responded: “The Premier League is tough these days. So, I think there are obviously some fluctuations in results, but that’s due to the level of competition.
“These moments of fluctuation will happen, and then it’s obviously up to those who are managing and taking care of the processes to know the right timing to perhaps improve one situation and manage another a little better.
“And that’s how I think football works. And especially when it comes to the Premier League, which gets more difficult every year. But I think that, overall, Tottenham has always been a club that has been very well managed by the people involved. It’s an important club worldwide. So, I hope things improve.”