The centre-back has plenty of experience playing under both men.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld
Toby Alderweirled has suggested that while their preferred styles are slightly different, there is one key similarity between Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone: they are both winners, the Daily Mirror reports.
The Belgian played under the Argentinian during his time at the Vicente Calderon, and enjoyed plenty of success during that spell as Atletico stunned many by winning the La Liga title and reaching the Champions League final in 2014.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone
And while Pochettino is yet to scale similar heights at White Hart Lane, the centre-back has suggested that he has the attributes to do so.
“It’s the way they work. They like to have a team that works very hard. They work us very hard,” he said, as reported by the Mirror.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
“There are differences. Pochettino likes to play from the back, with the build-up, have the ball. But the pressing is similar, as well.
“They are different kind of styles but they are both winners. They want to win everything, they want to win every game.”
Pochettino will be hoping that he can replicate the trophy haul that Simeone has enjoyed since being appointed at Atletico. Both men have taken over somewhat unfancied sides when it comes to their domestic title race, and while Pochettino is yet to win that first trophy with Spurs, his team proved to be the last standing between Leicester and the league crown last season.
And with last year’s excellent performances securing Spurs’ return to the Champions League this term, Pochettino will be dreaming of achieving something like what Simeone’s men managed just over two years ago.
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