Poch backed for success by legend Zanetti

Mauricio Pochettino has received a ringing endorsement from one of the greats of the game – former Argentina team-mate Javier Zanetti.

The Tottenham boss oversaw a convincing pre-season victory over Zanetti’s old team Inter Milan, 6-1, and will now set his sights on improving on Spurs’ third-place Premier League finish last season.

And Zanetti, who has played more professional matches than any other outfield player in history, revealed that he was not surprised by the success his former team-mate has enjoyed as a manager.

(TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images)

“I have known Mauricio since the age of 15 and so it’s a pleasure to see him again – we share thoughts about Argentina when we are together,” said the 43-year-old, who is now Inter vice-president.

“He was a very solid defender, a tough defender and I think that he has developed everything in his way of playing football and reading football.

“He can bring that to the pitch to help his team and I believe he is doing very well.

“The work he is doing at Tottenham seems to be a great job. I think his team always takes the initiative in their matches and I like watching the way Spurs play.

“It doesn’t surprise me with the way Mauricio’s career is going because he is a very intelligent coach who is very capable and has a lot of passion. He achieves things with much hard work.

“As a manager, firstly in Spain and now in England, he’s doing great.”