There have been whispers since the start of the season that something was not right between Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham. Players complained he was distant from them, and those close to Pochettino felt that he wanted to leave Spurs.
On Tuesday, Daniel Levy and the Spurs board made the decision that after Spurs’s disappointing start to the season, they are in 14th place, that it was time to make a change and fire the man who led the club to the Champions League final six months ago.
“We were extremely reluctant to make this change. It is not a decision the board has taken lightly, nor in haste,” said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
“Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing.
“It falls to 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.
“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history. 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.”
We shall provide an update on new coaching staff in due course.”
Pochettino leaves Spurs after almost five years in charge. His final record will be 160 victories, 60 draws and 73 losses. But for all of the turnaround he has ushered into the club, he will also leave without a major trophy won for the North London club.
