£25m keeps Pochettino at Tottenham and puts him into premier league of best-paid managers
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has forecast an era of domestic and European success at the club after ending speculation over his future by signing a new five-year contract.
The Argentinian, who has been linked with Manchester United after turning Spurs into Premier League title challengers, agreed a deal thought to be worth £25m, making him one of the best-paid coaches in the world.
The north Londoners are set for their best top-flight finish since 1963 and, with a new 60,000-seater stadium under construction, Pochettino believes it is “a special period in the club’s history”.
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“We have a long-term project and huge belief we can achieve something big here for the future,” Pochettino said. “This club has all the ingredients to continue to challenge at the very top in both the Premier League and in Europe.”
Photographs of Pochettino dining with admirer and former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in London this week heightened speculation he could be lured to Old Trafford to replace Louis van Gaal.
But the ex-Southampton manager made good on a verbal promise issued last month that he would stay at White Hart Lane, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy did not hide his delight.
“We’ve seen Mauricio bring a tremendous spirit and ethos to our club and embrace the attacking style of play with which we have always been associated,” he said.
“He’s built a squad of youth and experience and this season we’ve seen football played at the highest level – quite sublime at times. Everyone at the club is delighted he has agreed an extended contract and we all look forward to working with him in the coming seasons. I know he is as ambitious for our club as we are.”
Pochettino, who is thought to have asked for reassurances from Levy that Tottenham would not sell stars such as striker Harry Kane and midfielder Dele Alli, can clinch second place if Spurs draw at Newcastle on Sunday.