SM
Bradford vs. Notts County: 14 hrs 21 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
SL
Premier League | Gameweek 22
Jan 13, 2019 at 4.30pm UK
 
MU

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-1)
Rashford (44')

It would be unfair of me to judge Solskjaer and Mourinho, says Pochettino

:Headline: It would be unfair of me to judge Solskjaer and Mourinho, says Pochettino: ID:346634: from db_amp
The Tottenham manager will put his wits against Manchester United's interim boss on Sunday.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is not focused on the goings on at Manchester United ahead of their Premier League showdown on Sunday.

Pochettino is widely reported to be United's first choice to take over from caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford in the summer.

The Argentinian, who has said he would like to stay at Spurs for the next 20 years, was not willing to give an answer to why United have improved so dramatically since his friend Jose Mourinho's sacking, with Solskjaer winning his first five games in charge.

"I think from the distance it's so difficult," he said. "Of course I cannot be unfair with both managers. After Mourinho the reality is that they've won five games in a row.

"Always you know that when a new person arrives, or manager, it's like refreshing the atmosphere at the club, and for many players that maybe didn't play with another manager, it's an option to play more.

"It's a new voice that motivates you. But of course I'm not going to judge. It's so unfair to judge Ole because he's won five games or lost five games.

Pochettino is good friends with Jose Mourinho (Nick Potts/PA)

"It's not fair to judge in both ways and it's not fair to judge Mourinho's job. Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world. For different reasons that I don't know, cannot perceive, his relationship stopped with the club.

"Of course for me only I am focused on trying to win the game on Sunday. Because we know that we need the three points to be in that race for the Premier League, to be in the top four, for the end of the season to be there.

"I have huge respect for Mourinho and of course for Solksjaer. I cannot talk about what happened and what is happening."

United have been in Dubai this week on a warm-weather training camp, while Spurs were involved in midweek Carabao Cup action, beating Chelsea 1-0.

Pochettino, though, does not think that will have an effect and says the reverse fixture, which Spurs won 3-0, will have even less bearing.

"The team is in very good form. Of course to win five games always builds confidence – your self-belief, your ego is high," Pochettino said of his opponents.

"They had the whole week to prepare in Dubai in a very good atmosphere and we had the semi-final against Chelsea, but that is not an excuse to say we're not going to compete.

"We are going to compete in our best way. I am completely sure it will be tough, but we must assess today Manchester United.

"When we played there it was 3-0 for us, but in the first half it should have been 3-0 to Manchester United. You remember I was so disappointed.

"The club have unbelievable players, structure and history in winning titles.

"Of course it's going to be competitive and I'm going to try to enjoy the game, because football for me is not a drama.

"It's on Sunday to enjoy a very nice moment and game between two teams who try to play very good football."

amp_article__346634 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-01-12 19:04:09:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 17:07:43 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Jose Mourinho

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .