Mauricio Pochettino not ruling himself out of contention to become next permanent Manchester United manager
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has not ruled himself out of contention to become the permanent successor to Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
Following the sacking of Mourinho, United will appoint a caretaker to the end of the season before picking their long-term choice in the summer.
Pochettino, who signed an £8.5million-a-year five-year contract in the summer, is believed to be United’s first choice candidate to take over permanently and the Argentine did not attempt to rule himself out of the running.
“After nearly five years, there’s a lot of rumours happened about my position as manager of Tottenham,” said Pochettino. “I cannot answer this type of question.
“These rumours happen in football. I respect everyone’s opinion, when people praise me, when they are angry with me, when they say different things.
“We know rumours happen. It’s not my business what happens at another club. I’m so focused to deliver our best job at this club. We have ahead very busy fixtures. Another derby (against Arsenal), so important, quarter-final of the Carabao Cup. All the people will understand we are focused.”
Asked if he had a message for any worried Spurs fans, Pochettino added: “What more do I need to say after nearly five years? From day one, not only in the coaching staff, the players, a lot of rumours in football. Today, it’s like this. I accept everything. I accept rumours when they’re positive when negative. I accept opinion when you win and you lose. That is part of our business.”
Despite evading questions over the United job, Pochettino had words of consolation for Mourinho.
“I want to send best wishes to him,” he said. “I feel so sorry. You know I have good relationship with him. Good friends. It’s sad news. Then, it’s not my business what happens at another club. I want to send my best wishes to Jose.”
