OPINION
Ray Parlour seemed confident that Real Madrid could come calling for Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino in the summer but his remarks also offered a glimmer of hope that the Argentinean won’t be tempted to leave.
The former Arsenal player shared that if Madrid decided to part company with Santiago Solari then he was sure they would enquire about Pochettino and potentially give him an option to leave Spurs.
“Whatever happens at Real Madrid, he’s just about holding onto his job, if he goes there’s a door there and I’m sure they will be enquiring about Pochettino,” said Parlour on Sky Sports’ The Debate (Friday March 8th, 22:55).
“It’s still down to the manager to say no, there’s a job to do here, bigger plan for the future as you know at Real Madrid if you don’t do the job quickly you’re out the door.”
“But at Spurs they do trust him.”
Parlour is probably right to suggest that Madrid would consider poaching Pochettino’s services, given how well he has done at Tottenham but he doesn’t seem sure that it’s an option the manager will take.
The former Gunners midfielder highlights the fact that taking the Madrid hotseat comes with a risk as if you don’t deliver the goods, they push you out the door quickly.
Parlour rightly suggests that it’s a completely different situation at Spurs as Pochettino is trusted by the London club and will continue to give him time even if success doesn’t arrive soon.
That’s a fair opinion to hold as Pochettino is yet to add silverware to the cabinet at Spurs in his reign despite making them challengers across the board, and there’s been no real suggestion the board have considered his job.
When you consider that Spurs’ key man can build a bright future for the Premier League club over time without his head constantly being on the chopping block, surely that will see him stay put.
While managing Real Madrid is hugely tempting for any manager, given their history and trophy chances, Pochettino will be aware it’d be a huge gamble for him as he could be fired as quickly as he is hired by them.
This means Parlour despite no doubt causing some Spurs fans to sweat with his confidence over Pochettino having Real Madrid keen, he has offered a glimmer of hope in regards to the club’s chances of holding on to him.