Ian Holloway has claimed that he would “die for” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino if he was a player.
The Argentine guided Spurs to a Champions League final last season, and has established himself as one of the most precocious young managers in the European game since taking the reins in north London back in 2014.
And Holloway has been quick to highlight just how impressive the 47-year-old is.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “If I was a young player right now, I’d probably go to Spurs because of their manager.
“There’s something about Poch that would make me want to die for him.
“He’s got them eyes.”
“If I was a young player right now I’d go to Spurs [over Arsenal].” ??
“I’d go to Spurs because of their manager. I’d want to die for Poch.” ?
Ian Holloway says #THFC are a more attractive proposition to join than North London rivals #Arsenal ???
Do you agree with Ian? ? pic.twitter.com/0yIASZjhk5
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 26, 2019
Are Holloway’s comments justified?
The charismatic boss has built a real reputation for having a verbose turn of phrase and a unique sense of humour throughout his career, and his comments here are no different.
The key to his punditry is, however, that he always gets his point across, and he’s done so again with his appraisal of Pochettino.
The Argentine has a stellar record as a manager, and has averaged an eye-catching points per game tally of 1.88 since joining Spurs back in 2014, as per Transfermarkt.
His allure goes far beyond his tangible success though.
The way that he defends his side to the hilt, as he did towards the end of last year after they pulled off a remarkable qualification for the Champions League last 16, as quoted by the Independent, and the manner in which he decided to stay put despite heavy interest from Manchester United in the aftermath of Jose Mourniho’s sacking, show a manager who is fiercely loyal.
Who wouldn’t want to play under a boss like that?
TiF Trivia
Pochettino has managed to build his reputation as an elite manager without winning a single trophy during his career in the dugout.
The signs are that he is closing in on one though, and his 1.88 PPM at Spurs far outstrips his records of 1.45 PPM and 1.23 PPM at Southampton and Espanyol respectively [Transfermarkt].
Pochettino owes a lot of his success in the game to Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa, who first gave him his break back in Argentina, as reported by the BBC.
After working with the veteran maverick, it is easy to see how his charisma has rubbed off on his compatriot.