Conduct an opinion poll among English football fans, particularly those around Newcastle, about Mauricio Pochettino, and the opinions are likely to be very positive.
The Argentine coach has built himself a very impressive resume during his time in England, impressing at both Southampton and Tottenham.
It is his work at the latter which made him stand out, with him turning the club from nearly rans into a regular top-four team and occasional title challengers as well.
His time at the club is considered a significant success, despite the lack of trophies, with him widely seen as one of the better managers in the game at present.
That’s been seen in recent years, with the coach linked to big jobs around Europe, namely Manchester United and Real Madrid.
That demonstrates his standing in the game remains as high as ever, given Newcastle’s new owners, who have money to burn, have identified him as the man to lead their project and rebuild the club from top to bottom.
Surprisingly, though, it seems Pochettino is not as popular as you may have thought. Indeed, chief among his detractors is journalist Damián Iribarren.
A man known for his explosive comments, he recently laid into Pochettino, insisting he’d hate to see him managing Argentina.
“I read a statement from Poch in the Sun newspaper that I could not believe,” he told Radio La Red, relayed by 442.
“It is a file to listen to when he is offered to direct the Argentine National Team.
“I love England,” he said. He drinks tea; he is English. When I read it, it is one thing, but listening to it is a dagger in the heart.
“The only thing I hope is that he never manages the Argentine National Team.
“I dislike him, I see him as a foreigner; he is an Englishman. “
