Mauricio Pochettino once gave Newcastle United a ‘big club’ reality check

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The impending Saudi-backed takeover for Newcastle United has seen plenty of big names linked with a role at St James’ Park. That not only includes potential player purchases but also in the manager role. 

Steve Bruce is said to be likely to remain at the club until the conclusion of the current season but then, as reported by ESPN, Newcastle have a four-man shortlist to replace him. 

At the top of that list is former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino. 

The Argentine is out of work following his sacking by Spurs in November. Newcastle United are reportedly hopeful of luring him to Tyneside with the promise of an exciting new project and heavy financial backing. 

So what has Pochettino said about Newcastle in the past?

In a press conference back in May 2018, as reported by The Chronicle, it was something of a mixed bag. 

Pochettino was praising the work of former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez when he suggested that whilst Newcastle were once a big club that was no longer the case. 

“Fantastic season, fantastic job that he’s doing there, Rafa, with all the circumstances.

“When we assess another team, we need to assess them with reality. Newcastle, of course, is a big club, was a big club, yes, big names, yes, but the reality today is that it’s not. To see the past and say, ‘OK because Newcastle won some titles, now Newcastle must win’ [is wrong].

“The reality with the context is that Rafa is doing a fantastic job and to be safe before the last few games of the season, for me, it’s a massive success for them.”

The negative angle to take from these comments, is that Pochettino does not see Newcastle on the same level as some of their fanbase might. 

However, on a more positive note, it is clear that Pochettino can see the potential on show at Newcastle and could easily be convinced of the club as a viable option. 

Perhaps he could take Newcastle United back to their big club status if he was to take over at the club.