Pochettino laughs off Lloris’ FIFA Best Coach award vote

Matt Stead

Mauricio Pochettino has laughed off suggestions that he has a problem with Hugo Lloris not voting him as FIFA Coach of the Year.

Pochettino was nominated for the award on Monday but finished bottom of the list of 12 managers, with Zinedine Zidane taking the gong.

Lloris, as captain of France, was one of few people to vote for Pochettino, although the keeper put his club manager in second place behind countryman Zidane, who won a La Liga and Champions League double with Real Madrid last season.

Pochettino was in jovial spirits when asked about the situation on Tuesday.

“He voted for me number two,” Pochettino laughed. “Who number one? Zidane ? Well, he’s French!

“I am happy, it’s normal. Zidane received the trophy for best manager and he deserves to be number one.”

“It was fantastic to meet a lot of football people, difficult to meet everyone and see in different places, we enjoyed a lot. It motivates you and I hope next season we have a few players nominated.

“It is massive motivation for us to be there, and helps us to achieve big things and one day be there.”