Spurs fans were delighted to hear that Mauricio Pochettino reportedly rejected the chance to become the new Barcelona boss.
According to Argentine news outlet Agencia Noticias Argentinas (via Ricky Sacks), the 47-year-old refused to take over at the Catalan club due to his loyalty to Espanyol. The former Spurs man spent much of his playing career with Espanyol; making 278 appearances for the club, who are fierce rivals of Barcelona.
Pochettino was sacked by Spurs in November after a poor start to the season and is yet to return to management, with his rejection of Barcelona coming as no surprise following his comments about the club in 2017 when he was linked to the job there. Barcelona have instead replaced Ernesto Valverde with former Real Betis manager Quique Setien, meaning Pochettino will have a while longer to wait until he gets a new job.
Was Pochettino right to reject Barcelona?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to Pochettino’s rejection of Barcelona can be seen in the tweets below.
Classy man! Always said he would reject them. Man of his words.
— Suhel Ahmed (@Suhel_81) January 13, 2020
This fella is coming back in 2 years time. He has unfinished business at Tottenham Hotspur.
— Sammy Franklin (@Samm349) January 13, 2020
Wow… That’s big news. A man of real principles.
— Steve Sharpe (@sabsharpe) January 13, 2020
I’m not surprised. He has principles. A good, loyal man. Pity we didn’t show him the same loyalty. He will get another top job soon, he’s an excellent coach.
— LizzieSmith (@LizzieS83149520) January 13, 2020
Pure Class!
— Shane Hotspur (@ShaneHotspur) January 13, 2020
Bring him back now…..! He’s magic….
— Sash Wheatman (@SashWheatman) January 13, 2020
These Spurs fans clearly loved that Pochettino stayed true to his words and rejected the reported job offer from Barcelona.
What do we think?
Loyalty can be a rare trait in football these days so it is impressive to see Pochettino stay true to Espanyol and turn down the chance to coach players such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Surely it will not be too long until we see the Argentinian back on the touchline.