I’ve learned so much from Pochettino, says Spurs’ Wanyama

Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama has heaped praise on the influence of manager Mauricio Pochettino, claiming the Argentine is like a father figure to him.

The combative Kenyan signed for Spurs in the summer of 2016, and has established himself as a rock at the heart of the north Londoners’ engine room.

Wanyama has started all of Spurs’ Premier League games this season, and has helped them rise to second, behind only runaway leaders Chelsea.

Pochettino signed Wanyama from Celtic while Southampton boss in 2013, and the 25-year-old insists he has never had a manager so dedicated to improving players’ performances on and off the field.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

“He works on your weakness, he’s a good role model and he doesn’t just look at football, but life in general,” said Wanyama.

“We worked hard and after a while, you could see the difference because in the games I felt like the games were easier and we could run for 100 minutes because we were fitter. It worked well for us.

“He has improved my game in all aspects, everything. It’s not just football, in life as well I’ve learned a lot of things.

“He’s been able to teach me a lot inside and outside football, how to live with people, how to be humble.

“I’ve learned a lot of things through him and I don’t just see him as a manager but as a father figure.”