Spurs fans were shocked to hear that former manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the Barcelona job.
According to Spanish news outlet RAC 1 (via Hotspur Related), Pochettino has emerged as the main candidate to take over from the under-pressure Ernesto Valverde, after former midfielder Xavi rejected the chance to take over. The Argentinian was sacked by Spurs in November following a dreadful start to the season which saw them slip to 14th in the Premier League but the 47-year-old could be set for a sensational return to management with the Catalan club.
The reports come despite Pochettino’s loyalty to Barcelona’s rivals Espanyol, with whom he spent much of his playing career; making 278 appearances for the Spanish side during his playing career. During his time as Spurs boss, Pochettino ruled out a move to Barcelona, saying he is loyal to Espanyol and could never move to Barcelona, similar to how he could never manage Arsenal after his time with Spurs.
Would Pochettino take the Barcelona job?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to Barcelona’s reported interest in Pochettino can be seen in the tweets below.
Not a chance, he’s got too much pride surely
— WhiteHartHarry (@WhiteHartHarry) January 12, 2020
I’d rather this than Man U or anywhere in the PL even if he says he’d never do it
— Sydney Spurs (@sydneyspurs) January 12, 2020
He’s pretty loyal to Espanyol and I’m sure they convinced him of the argument for a unified Spain during his time there so I seriously doubt it
— John Gannon (@hailcaesar71395) January 12, 2020
Would love that to happen
— Michael Badu (@michaelbadu) January 12, 2020
That’s insane
— ChanyiTao (@JohnChaan) January 13, 2020
You are joking it’s impossible he is Espagnol he hates Barcelona
— yacine ff (@FfYacine) January 12, 2020
These Spurs fans clearly wish Pochettino well, but many seem to agree that he is unlikely to take the job at Barcelona considering his ties with Espanyol.
What do we think?
Although he may have ruled out a move in the past, surely Pochettino could be tempted into managing players such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. It will be interesting to see if the Catalan club do make an approach for the former Spurs man, should Valverde lose his job in the near future.