Leicester’s Iborra claims Pochettino is revolutionising English football

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Leicester City’s Vicente Iborra is a big fan of Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Leicester City’s defensive midfielder Vicente Iborra has told Marca how Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has shown a different footballing philosophy can work in England.

For many years, the Premier League has gained a reputation from overseas for a physical, direct style of play which often appreciates a thunderous tackle more than a sharp passing exchange.

Gradually, however, the top teams in England are treating possession of the ball with more importance and showing a greater desire to win it back via relentless pressure higher up the pitch.

Spurs boss Pochettino is renowned for adopting an intense style of play, and their success over the past few seasons have prompted Iborra to single him out as a leading factor in revolutionising the English game.

“Football in England is more direct, vertical and less tactical, except for a couple of teams such as Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur who try to play with the ball more,” Iborra told Spanish reporters.

“Tottenham, in Turin, showed a confidence in playing with the ball and at the end came out with a great result. I think they are demonstrating here that another footballing philosophy is possible.”

Tottenham have without doubt become an elite force both domestically and in Europe under Pochettino, demonstrated by going undefeated and winning a Champions League group containing Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Despite having yet to win a trophy under Pochettino, many Spurs supporters are delighted with their progress and feel there is a gradual power shift happening in North London.

The next step for Tottenham would be to win a major trophy. On current form they look a good bet for the FA Cup and, after a decent result in Turin, they are favourites to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.