Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa comments on Mauricio Pochettino after Tottenham sack

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Luton Town press conference – as quoted by Leeds Live – as saying that he is upset at Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino, but reckons he could be in a new job in “15 days”.

Pochettino was relieved of his duties on Tuesday night after a very poor start to the campaign. Tottenham currently sit in 14th place and Jose Mourinho has been tasked with resurrecting Spurs and pushing them back into the top-four places.

Bielsa is renowned for his relationship with Pochettino. The former signed Pochettino as a 13-year-old at Newell’s Old Boys, and brought him into the Argentina national team. They are believed to converse regularly.

Asked about Pochettino’s exit from Tottenham, Bielsa stated that he was upset at the decision. He also spoke of how Pochettino could have a new job in “15 days” and that he has left Mourinho with an excellent squad.

“I like and love him a lot,” Bielsa said. “It upsets me. When something not good happens to him I cannot ignore this. If we see the close effect of this situation we can be sad. I feel sad. In 15 days he will be at the top again.

“Now he leaves a team that is attractive to Mourinho. This is a big achievement. The next team he receives will create that respect. The work Pochettino has done is brilliant.”

Pochettino only saw his Spurs side win three of their 12 league games this season, while also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Colchester United during a penalty shootout. They suffered a huge 7-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in Europe.

Spurs go to London rivals West Ham on Saturday lunchtime at the London Stadium, and will be looking to inflict further damage on the out-of-form Hammers who have failed to win in their last seven games.