Tottenham Hotspur are about to feel the pressure of holding onto their manager, Mauricio Pochettino from the clutches of Ligue 1 outfit, Paris Saint-Germain. The French club’s owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi was upset with the 3-1 loss they suffered to Real Madrid earlier last week and this has placed a serious doubt over the future of Unai Emery.
The cash-strapped European giants expected a better showing in the UEFA Champions League after investing monumental amounts of money to bring in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe ahead of the 2017/18 season. Once Mbappe completes the transfer from AS Monaco next summer, he will take the spot behind his Brazilian teammate as the most expensive player in the history of the game.
Obviously, spending needs to be tied to major trophies and losing against the defending champions is not what the PSG ownership has had envisioned for the club. Like any of the other extravagant club in Europe, PSG are eager to get immediate results and that would mean Unai Emery’s resignation to make way for a better head coach.
The fact that Pochettino’s name has popped up on the manager shortlist is not in the least bit unusual. More so it is quite confusing as to how the Argentine’s name has eluded so many major clubs for so long.
Pochettino has been the backbone behind the recent emergence of Tottenham into the European stage. Ever since Gareth Bale departed for Real Madrid, Spurs were left significantly short-staffed and without a leader. It was Pochettino who started the rebuilding process and over his three and a half year stint has turned the North London club into serious title contenders.
Pochettino had already showcased what he was capable of with Southampton the previous season by helping them finish 8th in the Premier League table – their highest league position since 2002/03.
With the improved financial leverage provided at Tottenham, the 45-year-old completely changed the face of the squad by developing young players into the first team squad. Tottenham were highly praised for holding up against the elites while fielding the youngest squad in the Premier League.
The progress has been slower than that of the other English rivals like Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea but one would also argue that Tottenham are not spending exorbitant amounts to bring in established stars. Names like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Derrick Rose, Ben Davies and Kevin Trippier have been carved into full-time professionals under the guidance of Pochettino himself.
The 2-2 draw against Juventus at Turin last week will give you an idea of how far the club has come and where they are headed. Pochettino is the backbone of their success and it would only be foolish of both the manager and the club to part ways right in the middle of what could be one of the most inspiring stories in world football.
