Sky Sports pundit Ray Parlour has said that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will change his mind over his greatest achievement as a manager if his side reach the Champions League final.
Probed about whether the club’s win over Manchester City to reach the semi finals in Europe was his shining moment in the dugout, Pochettino insisted that keeping former club Espanyol away from relegation in La Liga help top spot.
However, Parlour believes that the Argentine could be turned if Spurs overcome Ajax in the semi finals.
He told Sky Sports’ The Debate (18/04, 22:00): “It (Espanyol) was a big test for him and that put him on the ladder to be the top manager he is now.
“I’m sure he will change his mind if they do get to the final or even win the Champions League because it was a remarkable game, one of them sort of games that I’ve never seen emotion like it at the end, in the players.
“There’s a lot of talk about Eriksen, Alderweireld not signing contracts, but the passion on their faces by winning that game, and the celebrations from Pochettino as well, he couldn’t believe it.”
Opinion
Espanyol no doubt holds a special place in Pochettino’s heart and perhaps only winning Europe’s most premier club competition in the shape of the Champions League could steal the limelight from his achievements in Spain. However, while it might not have top spot on his personal list, you know that Wednesday night will be a game that the Argentine boss – or any of the players for that matter – will never forget. It was a gutsy display from the Lilywhites and Pochettino set his side up to succeed. There will no doubt have been many kind words coming his way behind the scenes from his squad and those above him in the boardroom. It was perhaps Tottenham’s greatest moment in recent years and now they are just one step away from the final in Madrid. Tottenham’s ambitions were questioned when they failed to spend a single penny in either transfer market, but Pochettino has surely silenced any and all doubters.