Mauricio Pochettino believes every manager deserves respect when going through difficult times, revealing sympathy for Alan Pardew’s position at Newcastle before their game against Tottenham that will put his position under the microscope once again.
Pardew has been on the receiving end of numerous protests opposing his management from Newcastle supporters, given the team’s poor run of results in 2014. However, he led his side to a narrow victory over Leicester City last weekend, their first league win of the season.
Tottenham go into League meeting on the back of a remarkable European win in midweek, their 5-1 success against Asteras Tripolis ,memorable for a number of reasons but most notably the rabona wonder-strike from Érik Lamela.
Asked if he had any sympathy for Pardew’s position at Newcastle, Pochettino said: “I do. I don’t like it when every single manager is under pressure or is getting a lot of criticism. In your career, you have always ups and downs. It’s important to have respect. In this job, you always go through moments of difficulties.
“As a player and as a manager, I have had some bad moments. I played for 17 years. Every season is not the same. Some seasons you have success, others you have bad performances. As a manager, you have to accept pressure. The best way to deal with this situation is to be natural, be professional, try to deliver your best and, in football, anything can happen.”
Paulinho was not named in the matchday squad by the Argentinian coach for Thursday night’s Europa League win, but Pochettino insists the midfielder was not injured and that it was a footballing decision, amid rumours that the Brazilian could return to his native homeland.
“No, he’s fine. It was a football decision,” said Pochettino. “I decided to pick the squad and he wasn’t involved. It was nothing special. We provide the possibility to improve everyone. Some of the players are improving at one pace – maybe take more time to move on. We are trying to help everyone, every single player to progress and deliver and give their best.”
