Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he would like to emulate Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal tenure by staying at Tottenham for 20 years.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday’s North London derby, Pochettino was keen to praise Wenger for what he has achieved in England.
“In football history he’s one of the great managers, the same level as [Sir Alex] Ferguson,” said Pochettino. (Quotes via The Guardian.)
“He will always be a special manager. To keep motivation more than three years is difficult. Five years, you must be very good, very good if you’re 10 years. When you talk about 20 years it’s amazing.
“Everyone who talks about him needs to show respect. Some days you’re good, some days not so good. But [show] respect.
“Wenger was an innovator, ahead of everyone, like Ferguson. It’s difficult to innovate but you must try to create a project under your ideas and philosophies to take you ahead of other clubs. They were ahead. That’s why my respect and admiration is high.”
“He is my enemy because he is Arsenal manager but he is my colleague too. What he is doing at Arsenal and as a manager – I would like to be like him one day; 20 years at Tottenham.”
Spurs fans will be happy to hear it considering the club’s improvement since Pochettino took over in 2014.
i’ll drink to that even though i might not still be around to see it