The former Arsenal star, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, does not think that Pochettino is the right managerial fit for Newcastle.
Merson believes that if Newcastle do make a managerial change when the takeover goes through, then they should look at bringing back Rafael Benitez.
According to Sky Sports, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino is the first-choice managerial candidate for Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
The report has added that should the Argentine not move to St. James’ Park, then PIF will look at re-appointing Benitez at the end of the season.
Merson wrote in The Daily Star: “Can you really see someone like Pochettino being a success there? He likes to open games up and tries to win with flair. Newcastle’s squad isn’t made for that.
“If they think it’s suddenly going to be Kevin Keegan football all over again they will end up getting relegated.
“It’s all very well saying the new owners will throw money at it. But how much? And who could you attract to transform that team overnight? It won’t be easy.
“At Newcastle you need to be realistic sometimes. You need to play with ten behind the ball sometimes, even at home.
“If they’re really going to replace Steve Bruce they need someone like Rafa Benitez who’s a bit more pragmatic. Not Pochettino.”
Sticking with Steve Bruce
Bruce is a very good manager who has done well for Newcastle this season, with the Magpies unlikely to get relegated to the Championship and still in the FA Cup.
True, Pochettino and Benitez are much bigger names, but perhaps PIF should at least give Bruce a chance and hold talks with him once the proposed takeover goes through.
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