Speaking in his post-match press conference, Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, when asked about his side’s once 14th placed position in the table last season, addressed the ‘problems’ but dropped subtle praise for ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino, who was a fan favourite before his untimely dismissal at the end of 2019, lead Spurs to their first ever Champions League final that year – but chairman Daniel Levy saw fit to replace the Argentine following a poor run of form.
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Mourinho drops subtle Pochettino praise
At one stage, the Lilywhites languished a lowly 14th place in the Premier League table last campaign – with new boss Mourinho addressing their ‘problems’ after taking Spurs to the top of the table.
Tottenham secured a noteworthy 2-0 victory at home to Man City on Saturday evening, with goals from Heung-min Son and Giovani Lo Celso in either half.
“The 14th last season is a fake 14th. It’s a temporary 14th,” explained Mourinho.
“It happens in a crazy season where they had so many problems. Everything was going wrong.
“The situation was not good but come on, the work they did before here, the club, Mauricio [Pochettino], the players, the 14th was just a temporary situation.”
Transfer Tavern take
Despite Mourinho guiding Spurs to a stellar start, his subtle praise for Pochettino’s past work will undoubtedly delight Spurs fans who adore their ex-gaffer.
Time will tell whether the Portuguese enigma manages to become a fan favourite akin to the former Espanyol boss, but if he manages to win Spurs their first piece of silverware since 2008, it feels almost inevitable.
In other news: Alasdair Gold heaped praise on this ‘leader’ after Man City’s win, find out more here.
