Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham Hotspur and PSG manager, is currently the front-runner for the vacant Real Madrid job. The Argentine coach, who spent most of his playing career at Espanyol, has built a reputation as one of the most promising managers in Europe in recent years. He is for his tactical astuteness, man-management skills, and ability to develop young players.
Pochettino’s managerial career started in 2009, when he took over at Espanyol, the club where he had spent 10 years as a player. In his first season, he led the team to a comfortable mid-table finish, but the following year, he guided them to a remarkable 11th-place finish in La Liga, despite having one of the lowest budgets in the league. He also took them to the Europa League knockout stages, where they were eventually knock out by Juventus.
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After four seasons at Espanyol, Pochettino moved to Southampton in the Premier League. Despite being tipped for relegation, he led the Saints to an eighth-place finish in his first season, playing attractive, attacking football along the way. His success at Southampton attracted the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, who appointed him as their manager in 2014.
What did Mauricio Pochettino said about this job
Pochettino’s five years at Tottenham were mark by a period of sustained success. As he guided the team to four consecutive top-four finishes in the Premier League and the Champions League final in 2019. He also oversaw the development. Young talents like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Son Heung-min. Who became some of the most valuable players in the world under his guidance. Pochettino’s tenure at Tottenham ended in November 2019. When he was dismiss following a poor start to the season.
After a year out of management, Pochettino took over at PSG in January 2021. Despite a slow start to his tenure, he led the team to the French Cup and the French Super Cup. As well as the Champions League semi-finals. However, PSG’s failure to win the Ligue 1 title for the first time in four years led to questions about Pochettino’s future at the club.
Now, Pochettino is the front-runner to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid. Who left the club at the end of last season. Madrid are reportedly impressed with Pochettino’s track record of developing young players. Playing attacking football, both of which align with the club’s philosophy. They also see him as a manager who can build a long-term project at the club. Something they have lacked in recent years.
