Tottenham confirm Mauricio Pochettino sacked just 171 days after Champions League final
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentinian tactician led Tottenham to their first ever Champions League final in June – 171 days ago – after an incredible and dramatic journey that included a late comeback against Ajax in the semi-finals.
But something has been missing for Tottenham this season, with the north London side winning just three of their opening 12 games in the Premier League.
Pochettino leaves Tottenham: Five things to know…
- Mauricio Pochettino took charge of Tottenham in 2014.
- The Argentine led them to a League Cup final and Champions League final.
- But Tottenham had endured a poor start to the 2019/20 campaign.
- They currently sit 14th in the Premier League, just six points outside the relegation zone.
- As a result, Tottenham have announced Pochettino and his staff have been relieved of their duties.
As a result, Tottenham currently sit 14th in the table and are closer in points to the relegation zone than they are the top four.
The lacklustre start had seen Pochettino’s future put into doubt, though the expectation had been that he would be given more time – considering the work he has put in at Tottenham.
But on Tuesday evening, Tottenham confirmed Pochettino and his staff had been relieved of their duties.
“We were extremely reluctant to make this change,” Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said.
“It is not a decision the board has taken lightly, nor in haste. Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing.
“It falls on the board to make the difficult decisions – this one made more so given the many memorable moments we have had with Mauricio and his coaching staff – but we do so in the club’s best interests.”
Levy went on to thank Pochettino and his staff for all the work they put in at Tottenham, especially during a time which saw the club having to play at Wembley with their new stadium being built. However, Levy stressed the importance for Tottenham to turn their season around for the supporters.
“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history,” he added.
“I have the utmost admiration for the manner in which he dealt with the difficult times away from a home ground whilst we built the new stadium and for the warmth and positivity he brought to us. I should like to thank him and his coaching staff for all they have contributed. They will always be welcome here.
“We have a talented squad. We need to re-energise and look to deliver a positive season for our supporters.”
No announcement has been made in regards to Pochettino’s replacement, with Tottenham saying they would provide an update on new coaching staff in due course.
