Happy anniversary to Tottenham’s messiah, Mauricio Pochettino
By Gary Pearson
Five years ago today Mauricio Pochettino was appointed Tottenham manager, but few could have predicted the immeasurable impact the Argentine would have on the club.
Spurs finished sixth in the table the season before Pochettino’s arrival, with Southampton, who the gaffer then managed, finishing only two places behind us in the table. His first season in charge, 2014-15, saw Spurs finish fifth, six points adrift of Manchester United.
How the tables have since turned.
Pochettino, since that season, has led Tottenham to four consecutive top-four finishes. And all with a shoestring budget far inferior to the all other Champions League contenders. Sought after by many of the top clubs, Pochettino isn’t touted so highly solely because of his brilliant strategic mind, but also due to his incomparable ability to motivate and inspire.
A true and pure leader, Pochettino elicits the best from his players, all of whom buy into what the gaffer sells. Nothing is accomplished without devotion, hard work and commitment, characteristics his teams unceasingly embody.
Just over a year ago I wrote a piece celebrating Pochettino’s 46th birthday, discussing 46 reasons why the genius maestro is the world’s best manager. If anything, he has proven there are far more than 46 reasons why, if it existed, Pochettino would sit on the Iron Throne of managers.
Five years ago, before the tactical magician arrived, nobody could have fathomed that Tottenham would be a match away from achieving an accolade beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. The gaffer has continuously talked about his “project” at Spurs, asking people to be patient and to believe in his ultimate vision.
As if four top-four finishes in five seasons and coming within an inch of qualifying for multiple domestic cup finals isn’t enough, Pochettino is close to accomplishing what would be tantamount to the Leicester miracle of 2015-16.
A win on Saturday would lift Pochettino’s status from legendary to godlike. Win or lose, the gaffer will always be an icon of hope and belief in North London.
Every supporter, whether they like to admit it or not, knows the end of Pochettino’s improbable journey at Spurs will at some point come to an end.
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Let’s hope that eventuality, even if Spurs win the Champions League final on June 1, doesn’t occur this summer and only comes after the messiah of managers brings the Premier League title back to where it belongs.