Brad Friedel has heaped praise on Mauricio Pochettino – after Tottenham decided against bringing the Argentine back to N17.
It was David Ornstein who revealed that Spurs have chosen not to hire the South American as a replacement for Antonio Conte.
Now, Pochettino – who looks set to join Chelsea as a replacement for Graham Potter – has been praised by Friedel.
What’s the story?
Well – speaking to Sky Sports – the American said: “He is different, he is outstanding. Very smart. Very, very compassionate. One of the best, if not the best, I’ve played for.
“If he goes to Chelsea, I think that would be the best decision the new regime has made since they’ve taken over the club.”
A glowing review, to say the least.
Friedel never actually made an appearance under Pochettino, but he did spend a year working with the Argentine during the 2014/15 campaign before retiring in 2015.
Any Spurs fan who heard the American’s comments will probably feel a tinge of sadness that Tottenham aren’t going to hire Pochettino.
Tottenham risk Pochettino embarrassment
If Pochettino does join Chelsea – as expected – and transforms the Blues into a serious Premier League outfit once again, some at Tottenham will presumably ask why he wasn’t reappointed.
It could develop into another embarrassing situation for Daniel Levy.
Ultimately, it all depends on who Tottenham hire.
If Chelsea outdo Spurs across the next five years with Pochettino at the helm, there will surely be lots of frustration in N17 about the decision not to bring the 51-year-old back.
The Argentine himself has previously spoken about wanting to return to Spurs, which reinforces Ornstein’s claim that Tottenham are the ones who haven’t made a move, and will not be doing so.
Be sure to keep an eye on the managerial situation, as Tottenham continue to be linked with a range of names such as Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, Vincent Kompany, Graham Potter, Brendan Rodgers and Arne Slot.
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