Stephen Kelly thinks if managerless Tottenham Hotspur wanted to appoint Mauricio Pochettino, then they would have ‘laid their cards on the table’ to bring back the Chelsea-bound manager.
When Tottenham booted out Antonio Conte for his post-match rant, it was obvious that Mauricio Pochettino’s name was going to pop up.
A very popular figure at Spurs, he has been a free-agent following his sacking from PSG last summer.
When Daniel Levy sacked the Argentine in 2019, Pochettino then walked down a new managerial road where he was hoping to take his game to the next level.
But that didn’t happen, although, it hasn’t stopped managerless Chelsea from closing in on a deal for the former Southampton boss, with former Spurs man Stephen Kelly showcasing his thoughts, as he told Sky Sports News (24/04/23).
“If Poch had come in, then he would have given them a lift,” said Kelly. “People hold him in such high esteem for what he did for the club and where he got them.
“Tottenham are where they are now because of what he did. He got them consistently playing in the Champions League. He got them playing in a Champions League final. A young, energetic and vibrant side that press, played, with high-intensity football. That’s what Tottenham fans want.
“Second time around. Could he achieve that with the same squad, with a few more years in their legs? I am not sure. But would he have given a bounce and made the fans happy? Absolutely.
“I think, if Tottenham wanted him, then they would have laid their cards on the table and tried to get him. Waiting now, then having other rivals (take him) because Tottenham are going to be less desirable now if they aren’t a Champions League team.”
NEVER GO BACK
From the perspective of Pochettino and Tottenham, it’s best they stay out of each other’s way.
Yes, after having three defensive-minded coaches in recent years, Spurs fans just want to be entertained again, even if means losing a few games along the way.
But there is plenty of more fish in the sea, in regards to Tottenham finding that attack-minded coach.
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