Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino keen to replicate Sir Alex Ferguson
Saturday 30 April 2016 11:56, UK
Mauricio Pochettino believes he can become Tottenham's version of Sir Alex Ferguson after verbally agreeing a new contract with the club.
The Argentine has agreed a two-year extension to his current deal, which will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2021.
He has nurtured a talented young squad this season at Spurs, who are also due to move into their new 61,000-seater stadium in 2018.
Tottenham have a long way to go to emulate the success of Ferguson's Manchester United, but Pochettino wants to replicate the Scot and build his own legacy in north London.
"Why not? Sir Alex Ferguson is a very special person," Pochettino said. "He was given the security to build his legacy at Manchester United. I believe we are special too and we can build it here together.
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"This club is special. I feel the love from the beginning, from the very first day. I am very happy to be here to hopefully achieve big things.
"I think the potential is fantastic, with the new stadium. I think the club is coming to a very tough period because we are building a new stadium and we may focus sometimes on that, but at the same time it is very exciting."
Pochettino has steered Spurs to second place in the Premier League and they still have an outside chance of winning the title, but trail Leicester by seven points with three games to go.
Manchester United and Chelsea had both reportedly considered Pochettino for their jobs next term, but the 44-year-old said it was an easy decision to stay at White Hart Lane.
"We started to speak before, a few months ago, and today I think is a good moment to communicate we have reached the verbal agreement," Pochettino said.
"I am very happy. I wanted to stay for many reasons. Tottenham have unbelievable potential. We created after two years here a great group of players.
"We have a very strong squad, young, with potential to be a top team. The staff and the supporters are unbelievable, there is massive potential, why not stay here?"
