“We are going to work together” – Pochettino clarifies Spurs transfer role comments

Mauricio Pochettino has clarified comments he made about his role in Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer business, insisting he is working together with the club to improve the squad.

Earlier this week the Spurs boss suggested his job title should be changed from ‘manager’ as he is only in charge of coaching the players, not bringing in new recruits or overseeing contract negotiations.

What did Pochettino say about Spurs’ transfers? Five key things to know…

• Pochettino admitted he is “not in charge” of transfers at Tottenham.
• He suggested the club should change his title as he is more of a coach than a manager.
• Some believed this to be a power play to speed up the recruitment of more new signings.
• Others claim Pochettino’s outburst was a response to repetitive questions about transfers and contracts.
• The 47-year-old has four years remaining on his current Spurs deal.

It has been suggested Pochettino was merely irritated by repetitive questions about transfers and the futures of contract rebels Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen.

The Argentinian has now moved to clear up his outburst, suggesting the comments were “honest, genuine and spontaneous” but declaring his continued happiness at Tottenham.

“We need to be relaxed and calm,” Pochettino said. “I am so happy. I hope we have a very good season. The most important thing now is to show respect for the club. We are trying to bring the best team possible. We are going to work hard to make our fans happy and be competitive.

“It’s a challenge at a club like Tottenham but we are going to work together. After five years we have built a very good relationship with Daniel Levy.”

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He later added: “Of course sometimes he [Levy], me, the fans and players are frustrated, but the best thing is to be honest, genuine and spontaneous. Maybe I described the situation but we are so focused to work together to be professional and try to create and build a team to have the possibility to fight for big things.”

Spurs have already broken their transfer record this summer, brining in French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for around £60m.

They have also spent £10m on Leeds United youngster Jack Clarke, who returned to West Yorkshire on loan for the 2019/20 season.

Reports claim the Londoners are now interested in Real Betis star Giovanni Lo Celso and Bruno Fernandes of Sporting Lisbon – Fernandes is also a target for Manchester United.

Tottenham’s Premier League campaign kicks off against Aston Villa at the club’s new stadium next weekend.