With Tim Sherwood’s days of sporting a suave gilet on the sidelines at White Hart Lane rumored to be nearing an end, it seems as though Tottenham Hotspur are already looking towards his successor.
Sherwood, who was only handed the job on a permanent basis in December, has seen his side slump against Chelsea and Arsenal in two-straight defeats, and many believe his 18-month deal as Spurs’ gaffer will be cut short at the end of this season.
Southampton are up next for Tottenham,which you can watch live on NBCSN this Sunday at 9:30am ET, and it is Saints’ manager Mauricio Pochettino who is rumored to be top of Spurs’ shortlist to take over in North London.
(MORE: Cracks starting to appear in Tim Sherwood’s leadership at Tottenham)
Pochettino, 42, has turned Southampton into a team brimming with top teenage talent, possessing a high-pressing style that’s baffled plenty of top Premier League teams this season. Currently Saints sit in eight spot in the PL, with 45 points from their 30 games. The flare, passion and commitment Pochettino had instilled in his players at Southampton is remarkable, as the former Espanyol manager has taken a solid group of players onto the next level after arriving in January 2012 to initially stave off relegation, then push Saints on this season.
Would the Argentine manager be a good fit at Tottenham? I have no doubt in my mind that he wouldn’t be any worse than Sherwood or his predecessor, Andre Villas-Boas. If anything, former Argentine international Pochettino would be an upgrade, as the man who has yet to give a press conference in English has worked wonders on the South Coast. Given money to spend and the chance to work with Spurs’ talented individuals, Pochettino’s emphasis on the team first could be something Tottenham’s fans would love to see implemented at their club.
The only snag is that Pochettino really has no interest in leaving Southampton. He is building a talented group of young players who understand exactly how he wants to play, and he’s enhancing his own reputation as a manager each and every week Saints continue to exceed everyone’s reputation.
Pochettino’s contract runs out after next season, so this summer he will have just one-year left on his deal at St. Mary’s. Will Spurs’ famous list of Argentine heroes (Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa et al.) be added to this summer? Pochettino could be the man to help Spurs finally crack open the attic door open and reach the UEFA Champions League.
But will Saints let him leave?
