Jamie Carragher has hailed Mauricio Pochettino and claimed he is more important to Tottenham than Harry Kane and Dele Alli.
The high-profile pundit and Liverpool legend claimed in the Telegraph that Spurs are the “best trophy-less team I have ever seen” and English football has never witnessed a team deliver such consistently excellent performances with nothing to show for it.
Carragher put Tottenham’s transformation into a vibrant and exciting side that neutrals want to see down to the influence of manager Pochettino, who he regards as even more influential at the club than talismanic striker Harry Kane and brilliant young playmaker Dele Alli.
“Is there something about Spurs as a club that means the general lack of expectation they will win the top honours impacts on the mentality of the players?” Carragher asked in his weekly Telegraph column.
“For this to change there is an emphasis on the need to retain their stars such as Dele Alli and Harry Kane. No. The most important man they must keep is Pochettino.
“Why am I such a big fan? I retired as a player almost five years and since moving into punditry Pochettino’s Tottenham are the team I have enjoyed watching most. They are everything you want in terms of balance, attacking, defending, bringing youngsters through and improving players.
“Their constant changing of their set-up from a back three to back four typifies Pochettino’s coaching skill. We see other managers do this and think it is because of uncertainty, not knowing the best team or system. When I see Spurs do it, it is seamless, everyone knowing and understanding their role.”
Spurs are third in the Premier League ahead of their weekend clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley and have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages after their midweek demolition of holders Real Madrid.
OPINION
Little wonder Carragher is so blown away by Pochettino. The Anfield legend is one of football’s most astute observers and certainly knows his Premier League history. Spurs are a special side, and can achieve great things if they hang on to their managerial maestro. It is a sign of the Argentine’s influence that chairman Daniel Levy wants to tie him down to a 15-year contract. Hang on to Poch and you sense the world is the oyster of this potentially brilliant team.