Fernando Llorente highlights the Mauricio Pochettino factor which can even the transfer playing field at Tottenham Hotspur.
Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham’s great transfer market equaliser?
Fernando Llorente has told Marca of how he “fell in love” with Tottenham Hotspur upon first speaking to Mauricio Pochettino about a potential transfer.
Spurs signed the Spanish striker from Swansea City on deadline day this summer, poaching him from under the noses of London rivals Chelsea.
It appeared as though Llorente was bound for Stamford Bridge, but one phone conversation with Pochettino convinced him that Spurs was the right choice.
Fernando Llorente of Tottenham Hotspur comes on for Serge Aurier
Llorente told the Spanish publication: “Pochettino called me on August 30 and I fell in love. I was filled with enthusiasm by his words and his sports project … I thought I was going to Chelsea but Tottenham were more firm in their intention to sign me.
“They reached an agreement very quickly with Swansea and despite all of those difficult circumstances [with Chelsea], I decided to come to Tottenham.”
Fernando Llorente of Tottenham Hotspur attempts to get pat Jason McCarthy of Barnsley during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Barnsley at Wembley Stadium on…
In recent years, it has been difficult for Spurs to compete with Chelsea in the transfer market, with Eden Hazard and Willian among those choosing the Blues over the Lilywhites.
But Llorente’s comments highlight the increasing Pochettino factor which could help Tottenham beat much bigger payers to some of Europe’s best talents.
Pochettino has developed a reputation as one of the best coaches to work with in the world after making Tottenham a Premier League force with a young squad.
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