Former Tottenham Hotspur recruitment chief Mitchell had been linked to MK Dons.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino was quizzed over former head of recruitment Paul Mitchell at his pre-Bayer Leverkusen press conference.
Mitchell recently left the club, a development which came as a surprise, after he had followed Pochettino to Spurs from Southampton.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
He has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Karl Robinson as MK Dons boss, with The Daily Star reporting he is in the running to land the job.
At the press conference, screened by Press Bureau TV, Pochettino said: “First of all I don’t know if the rumours are true or not.
“I don’t have the facility to speak with him. For that, to give my opinion is too difficult now.”
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Pressed further whether Mitchell would have the qualities to succeed in management, Pochettino responded:
“He was a player, not so good but… he got an injury when he was very young, 25 I think, and it stopped his career. We lose a big big player. He’s a football person, I don’t know if his dream is to be a manager, or to follow in the way he started a few years ago.”
Pochettino made the comments light heartedly when describing the loss of a ‘big player’ looking back at Mitchell’s playing days, and its clear there is still a fondness for him on his part.
It is still unclear why Mitchell left Tottenham, but if he lands a job in management, then the reason for his departure will instantly become apparent.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino before the match
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
