Mauricio Pochettino targets Premier League and La Liga for next managerial job

Former Tottenham manager described the two leagues as ‘the best in the world’

Mauricio Pochettino hinted that his next managerial role will be in either England or Spain because they are the “two best leagues in the world”.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager, who was sacked after five-and-a-half years at the club in November, was linked with replacing Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona before the club hired Quique Setien earlier this week.

Pochettino has also been consistently touted as a potential successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.

“For me I was so lucky to start my career as a manager at Espanyol in Barcelona and then to come to the Premier League to learn a different language and culture and I am a better person today,” Pochettino said at a LaLigaTV event.

“I have more knowledge and had a great experience. The Premier League is the Premier League.

“Football was born here in England but I think La Liga has amazing football and amazing coaches.

“England and Spain are the two best leagues in the world.”

Pochettino also added that he believes Setien faces a “massive challenge” at Barcelona after Valverde was sacked despite winning back-to-back league titles and the club currently sitting top of the league.

“Barcelona, of course, are one of the greatest teams in the world. Of course now with the new manager everyone is expecting him to continue the same philosophy.

“Valverde did a fantastic job in La Liga and with Barcelona and it’s a massive challenge for Quique Setien. He showed unbelievable love for Johan Cruyff and the style of football of Barcelona.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for him to live his dream and it’s so amazing to follow what’s going to happen.”