Pochettino talks openly about Real offer

Coach Mauricio Pochettino of Champions League finalist Tottenham Hotspur has explained why he cancelled Real Madrid after the end of the Zidane era in May 2018. He described El Pais: “I had just signed a new contract with Tottenham. And if I am asked to commit a breach of contract, I cannot accept that. I can’t act like this.”

Pochettino had just signed a new working paper that would bind him to the Londoners until 2023. Club boss Daniel Levy was therefore not prepared to accept offers for his successful coach. According to Pochettino, this meant a dilemma for him: “It was every coach’s dream: to train one of the biggest clubs that exists. And then you have to cancel. That’s terrible.”

In retrospect, however, Pochettino is not sad that the change did not take place. “For an Argentinian footballer or coach, getting there is the culmination of a career. It makes me proud that my name has fallen,” says the 48-year-old ex-professional.

Pochettino has coached the Spurs since 2014 and led them to the premier class final for the first time in their club history this season. Tottenham is in fourth place in the Premier League and has almost guaranteed qualification for the next Champions League season before the final matchday.