Former Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has lifted the lid on what Mauricio Pochettino is like as a manager and why he views him as a class above other coaches.
The Argentine has established himself as one of the best bosses in the business thanks to the transformation of Spurs under his stewardship, the Lilywhites chasing regular top four finishes as well as the chance to win the Champions League in Saturday’s showdown versus Liverpool.
Speaking of his former boss, Mason, who was forced to retire from the game due to a head injury, recalls a 20 minute chat with him in an airport queue, insisting that it was a conversation which meant a lot to his development and learning.
He told the Times: “First day of pre-season, he says I looked like a broken man. He came in with his positive energy and I can honestly say he changed my entire outlook. He made me think about what I could still do. He has this aura around him when he walks into a room that can turn any negative to a positive.
“You see so many managers moaning about anything — referees, players, transfers. And I think that does filter down to the players. Poch doesn’t go down that route. I’ll never forget that first pre-season tour to America. We were stuck in a long passport queue and I suddenly realised I was standing next to him.
“With other managers that might be awkward, but we ended up chatting for 20 minutes and I can honestly say I learnt more in that time than in years under other managers. He connects with people in a way that makes players want to give their all.”
Opinion
There are not many stories of Pochettino being criticised by players out there and Mason’s revelation helps to explain why. He obviously views his players as individuals and as people, rather than as a squad of footballers, and understands what is needed to get the best out of each and every one of them. That man management ability has resulted in great success at Tottenham and you can be sure that players are more likely to stay at the club with him in charge. You never know how a manager is going to take to a player as and when he arrives but it seems as though under Pochettino everyone knows where they stand. It is fascinating to hear that a mere 20 minute talk with the manager has stuck with Mason this long but it just goes to show the impact he has. Tottenham chiefs will know how important that is and will do everything they can to make sure he stays on board for as long as possible.