Thursday 12 May 2016 21:40, UK
Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract tying him to Tottenham until 2021.
The Spurs boss revealed last month a deal had been agreed verbally, but pictures of the Argentine meeting Sir Alex Ferguson this week raised concerns among supporters he could be a Manchester United target.
Tottenham insisted they knew about the meeting, and Pochettino has put any remaining speculation to bed by committing to another five years in charge. He will now work under the title of manager rather than head coach.
"It was an easy decision for my coaching staff and me because we can feel the appreciation of everyone here," said Pochettino, whose assistants Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino and Toni Jimenez have also signed up. "There is no better place to be right now."
Spurs are guaranteed their highest finish of the Premier League era under Pochettino, who arrived from Southampton two years ago.
And a point at relegated Newcastle on the final day will be enough for the club to finish above rivals Arsenal for the first time in 21 years.
Pochettino's ambitions extend beyond that, with a new stadium due to be completed in time for the 2018/19 season.
He said: "We have assembled a great group of players with huge potential that can get even better, while the facilities we have to work in are world-class.
"We also have an incredible new stadium to look forward to and now we are determined to build a side worthy of playing in such an exciting new venue.
"We have enjoyed a great season and we believe this is just the beginning. We have a long-term project and huge belief that we can achieve something big here for the future.
"This club has all the ingredients to continue to challenge at the very top in both the Premier League and in Europe and we want to be here to be a part of what I believe will be a special period in the club's history."
Chairman Daniel Levy told the club website: "We have seen Mauricio bring a tremendous spirit and ethos to our club and embrace the attacking style of play with which we have always been associated."
