Mauricio Pochettino hits back at rumours he will quit Spurs after the Arsenal game

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has described reports that he is preparing to leave the club as “stupid”.

The 47-year-old Argentine tactician was left frustrated after Spurs’ surprise 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, leading many to speculate about his future with the Lilywhites.

What started the Pochettino Spurs exit rumours? Five things to know…

• Spurs started their 2019/20 Premier League campaign by collecting four points from nine available.
• Heading into the first north London derby of this season they were beaten 1-0 at home by Newcastle United.
• Mauricio Pochettino cut a frustrated figure following the game.
• This led to rumours on social media suggesting he’s about to quit.
• Pochettino has labeled those reports as “stupid” whilst reaffirming his commitment to the club.

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It subsequently led to rumours on social media suggesting that he was preparing to walk away following the upcoming north London derby against fierce rivals Arsenal.

This in turn led to some bookmakers no longer taking bets on him becoming the first Premier League manager to leave his job this season.

When this was brought to his attention Pochettino was naturally angry; despite a difficult 2019 – in which they’ve picked up 15 points from their last 15 league games – he believes there’s still room for growth and though he’s been at the club since 2014, his goals are not yet reached.

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“What I can say about that stupid rumour,” he told reporters.

“After five years now I start the sixth and you know how we worked in the summer to try to rebuild and update.

“That stupidity can only happen through some rumour sent into social media that creates a big problem that doesn’t exist. I’m not going to walk away after the north London derby.

“I’m going to be here Monday, Tuesday… My plan is to travel – I’m not going to tell you where because I have some commitments, and then Friday again to London, meeting with Daniel [Levy], the weekend I think I’m going to watch some games live of national teams and Monday is preparing the week.

“I’m not going to walk away. I’m not this type of person to send a message through social media.

“It’s clear no? Do you bet? It’s closed now eh? You lose your money.”

Spurs continually improving under Pochettino

Since joining Spurs from Southampton in 2014 the former Espanyol manager has seen the club go from looking on the outside to becoming a genuine top four club.

Under him they’ve fifth (2014/15), third (2015/16), second (2016/17), third (2017/18) and fourth (2018/19).

His fifth season in charge saw Spurs reach a first Champions League final although they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool nevertheless it was a mark of how far they’ve come.