Pochettino sets a shining example for foreign managers, says Watford boss Mazzarri

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri says that he would love to replicate the success of Tottenham Hotspur chief Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League.

Mazzarri is in the midst of his first season in England and like Spurs’ Argentine boss in his early time in charge of Southampton, the Italian speaks limited English and communicates through an interpreter.

Watford were hammered 4-0 by Spurs at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon and if his Premier League managerial career were to follow the same path of Pochettino, former Inter Milan and Napoli boss Mazzarri would be more than content.

“I hope to do what Pochettino did after speaking very little English at the start and, after four years, be second in the table,” he said.

“I have a lot of respect for him. I like managers that give an identity to the team.

“He is very good and believes in the way he plays, and tries to give his team an identity.

“Of course, it’s easier when you have big players.

“He was at Southampton also and still had the same values, and that’s why I respect him.”