Pochettino will discuss his future with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy following the Champions League final next month
Saturday 11 May 2019 11:23, UK
Mauricio Pochettino says he would be "stupid" to stay at Tottenham if the club aims to repeat their success without a change in business plan.
He will discuss his future with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy following the Champions League final next month.
The Argentine led Spurs to a dramatic semi-final victory against Ajax on Wednesday, recovering from 3-0 down on aggregate with 45 minutes to play in Amsterdam to progress to the final on away goals.
Lucas Moura, the last player Tottenham signed back in January 2018, scored all three goals.
"I am open to everything," Pochettino said, when asked about his future.
"What I am not open to is starting a new chapter with no plan, with no clear idea, with not being transparent and being able to tell our fans what is our objective, to stop talking about perception, talk about reality - because if not, it is going to be difficult.
If you want to expect the same from us as from Liverpool, the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, give me different tools to work with.
"We know very well that we need to operate in a different way and that doesn't mean to spend more or less money. It's to be transparent and say: 'This is what we want for the next year, or the next five or 10 years.'
"It would be very naive to think we can continue to operate as we have done and that it will get us to the Champions League final and the top four every season when we're competing against projects like Liverpool or the Manchester clubs.
"If you want to expect the same from us as from Liverpool, the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, give me different tools to work with.
"If not and I see people working in the same way in the future, and I'm going to be this guy, I am the most stupid person to work. We need to create a realistic plan to develop in the next year, five years, and to match people's expectations because, if not, our destiny is to crash."
Pochettino suggested before the semi-final he could leave Tottenham if they win the Champions League this season as it would be too difficult to repeat "the miracle".
While he did not quite repeat that suggestion before their final Premier League game of the season against Everton, Pochettino did say: "After five years, I think it is a moment to close a chapter.
"It's not going to be the same in July when we start pre-season. It's so important to have clear ideas of the project and the challenge we are going to have ahead.
"It was very clear five years ago that the priority was going to be until the stadium was finished. We feel so proud because our capacity to manage this situation, that was very difficult, is amazing.
"But what is next? That is the question. It's difficult for me to explain. I need to listen to Daniel - he is the boss.
"The final is going to be an amazing moment. After the final is going to be a time to talk a lot, and listen to what is next."
Pochettino confessed it has been tough to concentrate on the home game against Everton on Sunday after leading Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final, but says they have a responsibility to recover that focus before kick-off.
Spurs are not yet guaranteed a place in the top four, although it would take a remarkable swing in goal difference for Arsenal to overhaul them, and Pochettino said: "We are living a dream and it's difficult to be in reality.
"But Sunday is an important day for us and to be ready is our priority, and to finish in the right way in front of our fans.
"It was an amazing moment to live altogether after five years. Our responsibility is to be ready. We are in a good position but it is almost; it's not done.
"To finish in a good way would be a massive boost to prepare for the final in Madrid against Liverpool."
The last act of The Run In will be shown live on Sky Sports on a defining final day of the Premier League season.
Manchester City's trip to Brighton is live on Sky Sports Main Event from 2.30pm, while Liverpool vs Wolves at Anfield is live on Sky Sports Premier League from 2pm on Sunday, May 12. Kick-off for both games is at 3pm.
