Ian Holloway delivers very harsh verdict on Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino

By Will Butcher

Ian Holloway has sunk his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino on TalkSPORT by claiming the Argentine is “not a very good manager”.

Pochettino has watched Tottenham’s title challenge crumble from the sidelines. In Spurs’ last two Premier League outings, they have lost to Burnley before being outclassed by Chelsea.

The Argentine boss has taken exception to comments about trophies this season. Last month, he stated that those who prefer trophies over a top-four finish are doing it for their own ego.

(Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Now, after their title chances are almost completely diminished, Holloway let rip on TalkSPORT. He stated that the best managers beat Burnley and Chelsea, and suggested that Pochettino is not one of those.

“They lose 2-1 to Burnley, then they lose to Chelsea. The best managers win those games,” Holloway said. “He hasn’t won and it must be getting to him. Winning things is for people with egos – what’s he going to tell his chairman?

“At the end of the day, you can produce the best players in the world. But if you haven’t got any wins on your CV then you’re not a good manager.”

TBR’s view

Holloway’s comments are somewhat harsh. Pochettino has turned Tottenham into an established top four, if not top-three side. He has managed that on an absolute shoe string.

Will Spurs win something within 10 years? If Pochettino is to continue to take Spurs in the right direction, then you would like to think so.

But at the end of the day, he has produced the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and more. He has pushed Spurs into almost the last eight of the Champions League and made them a top-three side.

On a tiny budget, that is excellent management – contrary to Holloway’s comments.