OPINION
There are few people more important to the future of Tottenham Hotspur than chief Daniel Levy and manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The managing director has overseen a huge rise from European hopefuls to top four regulars, working in tandem with the Argentine boss to bring in top talents to bolster the side as well as backing him, both financially and on a personal level, to help him succeed in his role in north London.
The results have been sensational for the club and now find themselves not just battling with the elite in England but across the whole of Europe – which is why it should come as no surprise to see Pochettino reportedly in the targets of rival sides.
The Sun have claimed that Manchester United are still keen admirers of the Spurs man, with Jose Mourinho said to be under pressure to seal a top four finish or face the axe this season, but while the Red Devils are keen, it is said that so too are Real Madrid.
The worrying part of the report for Levy is that despite the Spanish side appointing Santiago Solari as their new manager – a move which many would believe ends Real’s interest in Pochettino – the new manager at the Bernabeu is close friends with the Tottenham favourite and would be willing to step down from his post to see him make the move from north London to the Spanish capital.
As such, it seems that there is a tug-of-war at Spurs – involving two European rivals – and while he would hate to admit it, Levy’s hopes of seeing Pochettino stay in the long-term is diminishing.
So what does the Spurs chief do?
Well, while the report states he will fight tooth and nail to keep Pochettino at the club, he must realise that these rival sides can offer Pochettino a step up in his career, and while the pressure will be huge, the manager will likely relish the opportunity.
If he wants to go, he will, and so to lessen the damage Levy needs to green light the deal which is the lesser of two evils – a move to Spain and Real Madrid.
Seeing Pochettino week in, week out at Old Trafford would be the ultimate heartbreak and if United are keen for him to replace Mourinho, they will do everything they can to get their own way.
Levy cannot find himself tempted by the offer which comes his way which is why giving his manager his blessing to move to Real – the ultimate job in world football and one which Pochettino seems destined for – is the best of a bad situation.