'What will be, will be!' - Pochettino happy at Tottenham but doesn't rule out Real Madrid move

Chris Burton

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'What will be, will be!' - Pochettino happy at Tottenham but doesn't rule out Real Madrid move image

Mauricio Pochettino has claimed he is happy at Tottenham but didn't rule out replacing Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

With the Blancos having suddenly found themselves without a manager following the shock departure of Frenchman Zidane, various candidates have been touted as possible appointments.

Pochettino, who has previously spent time in charge of Liga side Espanyol, is among those considered to be serious contenders, with the Argentine having impressed in his coaching career to date.

A productive spell in England saw him cut his teeth at Southampton before turning Spurs into genuine Premier League title challengers and an established top-four outfit.

Quizzed by AS on whether those exploits could lead him to Madrid, Pochettino said: "I live in the present, there is nothing more important than that.

"I enjoy what is happening and what has to be, will be. [Former Argentina international] Jorge Griffa once told me that I must let football take me, that I do not want to change my destiny."

Pochettino penned a new deal with Tottenham that will take him through to 2023 recently, but rumours regarding an impending exit have been sparked within days of that agreement being reached.

The Argentine has, however, pointed out that there is no release clause in his contract which could be triggered by Madrid, saying: "No there is not. Neither written nor verbal."

Pochettino also talked up the achievements of Zidane - with the Frenchman having stepped down after leading Madrid to the Liga title and three Champions League crowns.

He added: "All managers feel a type of loneliness when doing this job. I respect greatly what he has done and his decision."

The Spurs manager was speaking in Spain at the launch of his new book ‘A New World’ and, having answered questions in Spanish, then proceeded to discuss his future, and subsequent links with Madrid, in English.

Asked if he'd be ready for the challenge of managing Madrid, he said: "I'm ready now for getting lunch with friends! I'm ready and excited to come back to London. Our project is so exciting.

"I am here now and of course I understand all the rumours from around the world but that's our life. That's the sport we chose to stay in. 

"That's the passion that translates to everyone. Look, I'm so happy, so excited. I signed a new contract 10 days ago. What's going to happen tomorrow? I don't know. Football is football, it always puts you in your place, always.

"The most important thing is to enjoy, day by day. Life is very short. We need to spend the day enjoying life and not worrying about what's happening tomorrow.  

"I'm so happy at Tottenham. I'm so proud that Tottenham showed the commitment and trust in the way that [chairman] Daniel Levy showed me 10 days ago. Of course, we have a lot of dreams. We have a lot of objectives. 

"What has happened in the last few hours [Zidane resigning] increased the expectation about the book but I can tell you that I'm so happy in London." 

A reporter then suggested that it's impossible to turn down Real Madrid if they come calling, with Pochettino answering in reply: "For you, it's impossible. You think that. But you are not me."

Chris Burton