Zinedine Zidane returning to Real Madrid has made Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Tottenham seem more secure.
Before the Frenchman took back his old job, the Spurs boss was considered as one of the favoured candidates to take over at the Bernabeu in the summer.
A few days before the return, Pochettino had been quizzed about the rumours and potentially returning to La Liga, and he said: “Of course I’ll return (to Spanish football). One is always open to new projects. Santiago [Solari] and I were team-mates, but I have respect towards him and I know very well what is going on here (warning the interviewer about the questions).”
It’s very unlikely that Zidane won’t be Real Madrid’s manager next season, so that track looks to be closed, but the Tottenham manager insists he’s not concerned.
Appearing at a football event in Spain, and quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Pochettino said: “I do not have the feeling of having missed the Madrid train. I don’t look long term, I’m happy and I still have four years of contract.”
The interviewer pressed over Madrid interest, and Tottenham’s boss said it “put him in a compromise”, referring to the line of questioning.
He then added: “There are always rumours, not only with me but with other colleagues, but 90% are false. Tottenham has a different philosophy, we are very motivated with the Champions League and with the opening of the new stadium.”
On the quarterfinal against Manchester City, Pochettino said Pep Guardiola’s side “have an obligation to win” but Spurs “will try to compete”.
