Pochettino warns Levy: ‘Spurs must take risks’

Ian Watson

Mauricio Pochettino will meet chairman Daniel Levy next week for crunch talks over Tottenham’s future.

Pochettino will tell Levy that Spurs must “take risks” to win top trophies, amid persistent rumours linking the Argentine boss with a summer switch to Real Madrid.

The ex-Southampton manager said that he would much prefer to stay at the club following his side’s 5-4 Premier League win over Leicester at Wembley.

“I don’t know if the club will be agreeing with me or not, but we are going to talk, next week on what we need to do to improve,” said Pochettino.

“That is a little bit up to Daniel (Levy) of course, to the club, to be happy with us, because after four years I think we need to assess that period.

“If we want to play and be real contenders for big, big trophies, yes, we need to review a little.

“I think Daniel is going to listen to me. But you know me and sometimes I have some crazy ideas.

“But you need to be brave. In this type of situation, with a club with our unbelievable fans, being brave is the most important, and to take risks.

“I think it’s a moment the club needs to take risks and if possible work harder than the previous season to be competitive again.”

Harry Kane and Erik Lamela both scored twice as Spurs edged out Leicester, who had Jamie Vardy hit a brace and Riyad Mahrez and Kelechi Iheanacho also on target.

In again refusing to be drawn on his future, Pochettino insisted Spurs must get creative to catch the Premier League’s biggest spenders.

“We cannot think we are the cleverest people in the world and that we will win trophies by spending small money,” said Pochettino.

“We need to think that our reality is different, because we are not this type of club that will invest crazy money.”

Asked if he will be Tottenham manager at the start of next season, Pochettino added: “In football you never know. Today 100 per cent I feel I am here.

“It’s out of my hands, it’s not my decision, to be here or not. I depend on my bosses.”

 

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