Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his desire for Mauricio Pochettino to stay on as Tottenham manager amid growing uncertainty about the Argentinian’s future.
Pochettino has overseen a difficult start to the new season. Spurs have failed to win any of their last three games including an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at League Two side Colchester United on Tuesday.
The team’s form has led to suggestions Pochettino could leave, with reports claiming Manchester United remain interested in his services. The Tottenham boss has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks, giving credence to rumours his time at the club could come an end in the not-so-distant future.
But Berbatov, who made over 100 appearances for Spurs, has called on Pochettino to put aside thoughts of managing elsewhere.
“After a few bad results and post-match interviews there has been a lot of talk about Mauricio Pochettino’s position,” Berbatov wrote in his Betfair column. “I hope that he hasn’t had enough at Spurs, he has been there for almost six years, he’s one of the longest serving managers in the Premier League.
“I know that sometimes when you lose games negative things can creep into your mind, you start to question yourself and if you can still motivate your players.
“Why would you want him to go? For me he is in the right place with the right team, he knows what to do and of course it is his decision if he doesn’t want to stay.
“The constant rumours about the Real Madrid job are confusing for the people involved. In those situations when you read these things you start to question yourself. Am I in the right place? Do I need to move now? Is it time for change?
“It doesn’t affect anyone in a positive way. Everyone should put this thinking aside and let Pochettino focus on his work as Tottenham manager. A time will come when he says goodbye, but I hope it isn’t going to be just now.”
Tottenham’s form has been poor of late, but it’s difficult to see Daniel Levy ever sacking Pochettino even if the results get worse in the coming weeks. Pochettino has taken the club up a level, which is probably exactly what he was tasked with by Levy when hired.
Indeed, it will almost certainly be Pochettino’s decision when he does decide to leave Spurs. And most of the club’s supporters will be hoping that day is still a long way off.