Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham: Pundit issues ‘top’ claim after source’s update
Kevin Phillips has urged the Tottenham board to resist the temptation to reappoint Mauricio Pochettino even if Antonio Conte “walks away” this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland striker claimed there would be little “value” in replacing the 52-year-old Italian with the 50-year-old Argentine.
A source with knowledge of Pochettino’s situation told Football Insider on Saturday (19 March) that he would “love” to return to Spurs should he leave PSG as expected.
Notably, Pochettino has remained in regular contact with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy since his dismissal back in 2019.
Meanwhile, Conte is understood to be wanted by several clubs, including PSG, ahead of the summer.
However, Phillips insisted Spurs should do what they can to keep the Italian on board.
Asked if there would be any value in bringing Pochettino back to Spurs, Phillips told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “In my opinion? No.
“I’ve said it many times, I don’t see the value in bringing someone back to the football club.
“He did very, very well but for me, it would never be the same. The history of people going back to the club where they’ve done well, I just don’t think it would be the same.
“I personally don’t think Conte will leave, I think he’ll stay. He’s that type of character who will demand what he wants during the summer and I think he’ll get it.
“I don’t see Pochettino coming back to Tottenham. I think they have to get over that and look past it. They’ve got a top, top manager in at the moment.
“Unless he walks away, why would you try to force him out? Give him what he wants because he’s a born winner. I think Tottenham will progress under him.
“Bringing Pochettino back, for me, would not be the right option.”
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Conte has given green light for Tottenham first-teamer to leave.