Soccer-Pochettino named 10th Spurs manager in 13 years

By Mike Collett LONDON, May 27 (Reuters) - Argentine Mauricio Pochettino became Tottenham Hotspur's 10th manager in the last 13 years when he was appointed on a five-year contract on Tuesday after leaving Premier League rivals Southampton. The 42-year-old former international defender takes over from Tim Sherwood who was sacked by Spurs at the end of last season five months after replacing Andre Villas-Boas. Pochettino, who had managed Southampton since January last year, is the second Argentine to hold the job at Spurs after World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles who was in charge 20 years ago. His task is to bring back the domestic and European honours Tottenham won when Ardiles and his equally revered Argentine compatriot Ricky Villa played for the north London club in the 1980s, and to secure Champions League football. "In Mauricio I believe we have a head coach who, with his high energy, attacking football, will embrace the style of play we associate with our club," Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said on the club's official website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com). "He has a proven ability to develop each player as an individual, whilst building great team spirit and a winning mentality. We have a talented squad that Mauricio is excited to be coaching next season." Pochettino added: "This is a club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to be its head coach. "There is an abundance of top-class talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad. Pochettino first came to the attention of England fans during the World Cup in 2002. Then, sporting shoulder-length hair and wearing a headband, he tripped striker Michael Owen to concede a penalty in their group stage match with England in Saitama which David Beckham converted to secure a 1-0 win. He featured 20 times for Argentina, scoring twice, after beginning his playing career with Newell's Old Boys in his homeland before moving to Espanyol in Spain in 1994. He also played in France with Paris St Germain and Girondins Bordeaux before returning to Espanyol for a second spell and then retiring as a player in 2006 to begin his coaching career. After more than 300 appearances for Espanyol he cut his managerial teeth at the Barcelona-based club but, after two decent seasons, lost his job with the club bottom of La Liga in November 2012. He quickly resurfaced at Southampton in January 2013 with the club 15th in the standings, finally ending the season in 14th spot. Pochettino began to make his mark during his first and what has proved to be his only full season with the Saints, playing some bright inventive attacking football built on a nucleus of English players. GOOD WINS Southampton achieved some good wins last season but lost home and away against Spurs, losing 3-2 in Sherwood's first match in charge at St Mary's in December and by the same scoreline at White Hart Lane in March after leading 2-0. Spurs, who have flattered to deceive for years in their quest for silverware and regular Champions League football, were reportedly also interested in Ajax Amsterdam coach Frank de Boer but Pochettino's attacking style should find an appreciative audience at White Hart Lane. Even before Ardiles and Villa enjoyed success there in the early 1980s, Spurs had a rich tradition of attacking football and Pochettino's high pressing attacking style, usually based on a 4-2-3-1 formation should win over any fans who may be somewhat sceptical of his appointment after so many false dawns. One thing that would impress them initially is if he speaks English rather than using an interpreter as he has been doing since he arrived in England nearly 18 months ago. He has occasionally spoken to the media in English but has said that until he can express himself fully he will continue to speak in Spanish. Ultimately Spurs fans won't mind what language he uses as long as he brings them the tangible success which has eluded them for so long. They finished last season in sixth place and have qualified for the Europa League but while those achievements are credible, what chairman Levy and the supporters want is a trophy, a top-four finish and a place among the European elite. Pochettino might never be regarded with the same reverence as Ardiles and Villa but if he achieves those objectives sooner rather than later, it will be a step in the right direction. (Reporting by Mike Collett; Editing by Ken Ferris)