New Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho felt ‘very sorry’ for Mauricio Pochettino after Champions League heartache

The Portuguese admitted he felt sympathy after the Argentine failed to land his first trophy for Spurs back in May

Jack Rathborn
Wednesday 20 November 2019 03:44 EST
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Mourinho felt sympathy for Pochettino after the final in Madrid
Mourinho felt sympathy for Pochettino after the final in Madrid (PA)

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New Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho admitted he felt “very sorry” for Mauricio Pochettino after last season’s Champions League final defeat to Liverpool.

Spurs lost 2-0 to the Reds in Madrid, ending their incredible run in Europe under the Argentine.

But Mourinho​ showed sympathy for his contemporary, even admitting he feels “very sorry” for the Argentine.

“That’s the drama of football and sometimes it’s not fair,” Mourinho said after Pochettino’s run without a trophy at Spurs.

“Mauricio has had four very good years at Spurs, brings them to the final for the Champions League, and he’s still waiting for the first trophy of his career.

“I feel very sorry for Mauricio but I think the English supporter is very loyal and they know when people give everything. They are a bit different than in other countries when everything is just about winning.

“I think the Tottenham fans are proud of their team. They still look to this team and this manager as a historical team for them.

“They will feel some love at home and next season when they go back to business, they will go with the pride of what they did and not in a low.”

Pochettino reacts during the Champions League final
Pochettino reacts during the Champions League final (REUTERS)

While Mourinho also delivered a damning verdict on Harry Kane’s performance in Madrid.

“Harry Kane was hidden all the time,” he added. “He normally drops back, comes in between the lines, normally he’s the link player.

“He receives the ball from one side, he goes between the lines, he turns, plays with the other full back, arrives in the box. Nothing of this dynamic yet.”

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