Tottenham Hotspur have officially axed Mauricio Pochettino after a horror start to the season has left the club sitting 14th in the Premier League.
Just over five months after he managed them in a Champions League final, Mauricio Pochettino has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.
The club dropped a bombshell on Wednesday morning AEDT, officially announcing the end of the Argentine’s five-year tenure via a statement, which also revealed his coaching staff of Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Antoni Jimenez have all been ‘relieved of their duties’.
“We were extremely reluctant to make this change and it is not a decision the Board has taken lightly, nor in haste,” said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. “Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing.”
Pochettino’s fall from grace has been dramatic this term, with Spurs sitting 14th on the ladder following just three wins from their opening 12 Premier League matches. Add to that a humiliating 7-2 belting at the hands of Bayern Munich on their own turf in the Champions League, and unrest surrounding the contract situations of some of the club’s biggest names, and the club’s decision becomes more digestible.
“We were extremely reluctant to make this change and it is not a decision the Board has taken lightly, nor in haste,” said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
Since joining the London club in 2014, Pochettino has guided them to four top four finishes in the space of five seasons. Prior to his arrival they had finished in the top four just twice in 22 campaigns.
“It falls to the Board to make the difficult decisions – this one made more so given the many memorable moments we have had with Mauricio and his coaching staff – but we do so in the Club’s best interests,” Levy added.
“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history. I have the utmost admiration for the manner in which he dealt with the difficult times away from a home ground whilst we built the new stadium and for the warmth and positivity he brought to us. I should like to thank him and his coaching staff for all they have contributed. They will always be welcome here.
“We have a talented squad. We need to re-energise and look to deliver a positive season for our supporters.”
©Optus Sport
