Paul Merson has praised Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, suggesting that the Argentine has been unlucky, and that he would win trophies at one of Spurs’ title rivals.
Midweek results mean that the north Londoners are now just two points behind second placed Manchester City, and seven behind league leaders Liverpool, but Pochettino is still yet to win any silverware during his tenure at the club.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday (Sky Sports News, Saturday February 2nd, 12pm), ex-Arsenal man Merson said: “I think you should be judged on trophies in my opinion, but at the same time I still think he’s a good manager.
“He’s taken this team from absolutely nowhere, I mean they were a million miles behind Arsenal five years ago. I’m a big fan of this man, I think he’s a top manager, I just don’t think the squad is big enough.
“If he was at Man City I think Man City would win trophies with him there. I think he’s had a little bit of bad luck and I think he’s a top drawer manager.”
OPINION
This is a bold claim from Merson, but he’s probably not too far wide of the make if the truth be told. Pochettino has done a remarkable job in north London, and has done everything but lift a trophy. His squad is threadbare to say the least, and with the way that fixtures are crammed into schedules, that could really be the difference between an actual title challenge and settling for a Champions League spot. Saying that he would win trophies at City isn’t that much of a ringing endorsement – most managers in the league would be confident of doing a decent job in Manchester if they were afforded the same backing that Pep Guardiola has had – but nonetheless, Merson’s comments act as a damning indictment of where Spurs are going wrong. This season could be huge turning point for the club, with rumours abound of Pochettino’s departure, and if they don’t have a long think about what they want, Spurs could easily lose him.