‘We anticipated what could happen’ – Pochettino suggests why Spurs might have sacked him

Mauricio Pochettino has suggested Tottenham might have sacked him because “a different management strategy was needed” at the club.

Spurs parted ways with the Argentine last November and replaced him with Jose Mourinho, who has experienced a mixed start to life in north London.

Mourinho led Tottenham to a Europa League qualification spot after an improved run of form after the Premier League restart, but there will always be questions marks over whether the Londoners were right to change managers.

Pochettino led Spurs to an unlikely Champions League final and regularly finished in the top four, but the team made a dreadful start to the 2019/20 which led to his exit.

Speaking to El Pais (as translated by Sky Sports) about his future, Pochettino talked up his achievements at Tottenham but said he understood why the club might have let him go.

“We live in a results environment where it seems that all the things that have a good result are the ones that serve,” he said. “But how do you measure what works or not? Only the one who wins or the one who exceeds expectations?

“After the Champions League final, four years in the top four, two years without signing [a player], a different management strategy was needed. Sometimes the vision of a coaching staff is not accepted by the club management.

“We anticipated what could happen. You need to fall, be down and then go up. But Tottenham made the decision to separate us after five-and-a-half years. I understand that it is a long time.”

Pochettino went on to suggest his search for a new job is not limited to the Premier League despite the plaudits he received at Spurs.

He added: “It is to find a club, president or people who go hand-in-hand with the ideas we have and that we believe can bring you closer to success. When that offer arrives, we will all say yes.

“The Premier League has taken advantage in the commercial, the marketing [sense]. But La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga are also very powerful, and similar.

“We adapted well to the Premier League, but we are open to new challenges and opening another horizon would be enriching.”