Tottenham Hotspur academy coach praises Mauricio Pochettino

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Tottenham Hotspur finished the Premier League season in the Champions League places.

Tottenham Hotspur academy coach Bradley Allen has praised manager Mauricio Pochettino and the influence he has had on the club in recent seasons.

Allen stated that he realised during Spurs’ Champions League clash against Manchester City last month that Pochettino is ‘almost carrying’ the club to success.

He was referring to their remarkable Champions League quarter-final game against Pep Guardiola’s side when Raheem Sterling’s last-minute goal was ruled offside and with it the North London club progressed through to the next round in the most dramatic of fashions.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (12/05/2019 at 2:00 pm), Allen shared his thoughts on Pochettino and explained what he demands from his staff.

“He’s a believer in developing and working young players,” Allen told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The strength of their personality. What they are representing. Demanding of us as academy staff in terms of the development of our young players where some of them have bridged the gap and managed to get into his first-team squad.

“He wants you to understand what it takes to compete and take part in these very big games at the highest level. The sacrifices that you have to make. And he’s really galvanised this football club. He’s done an extraordinary job in the five years.

“The abiding image for me was the one at the Etihad when he went across to the fans and he had players hanging off him. He’s almost carrying this Tottenham team to success.”

Pochettino joined Tottenham five years ago when he left his managerial post at Southampton. Since his arrival, he has taken the club to heights they have not seen in a long time.

They have continually finished in the Champions League places, shown more strength in domestic cup competitions and are now in the Champions League final.

Not forgetting that he has had to do it all with a limited budget compared to his top-six rivals. Plus, he has brought through or help build up a number of talented youngsters.

From Harry Kane to Dele Alli, who joined the club in 2015 from then-League One side MK Dons. Both are now key players and fully fledged internationals.