Dimitar Berbatov believes that regular links to the Real Madrid job are having an impact on Mauricio Pochettino, but insists that the Tottenham manager should be allowed to focus on his job.
Pochettino, who has been in charge of the north London club since 2014, has been frequently linked with the Spanish giants and is considered to be one of the leading candidates to take charge at the Bernabeu if the club decides to part ways with Zinedine Zidane.
Despite leading his side to a top four finish and the Champions League final last season, the Argentine is under growing pressure himself after a slow start to the current campaign which has seen Spurs win just twice in all competitions.
And further questions over Pochettino’s future at the Premier League club were raised this week after they followed-up last weekend’s loss at Leicester with a shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Colchester.
And although Berbatov admitted that constant talk over his future is likely to have had an effect on the 47-year-old, the former Spurs striker believes he is still the right man for the job .
(Image: REUTERS/David Klein)
“After a few bad results and post-match interviews there has been a lot of talk about Mauricio Pochettino’s position,” he told Betfair .
“I hope that he hasn’t had enough at Spurs, he has been there for almost six years, he’s one of the longest serving managers in the Premier League.
“I know that sometimes when you lose games negative things can creep into your mind, you start to question yourself and if you can still motivate your players.
“Why would you want him to go? For me he is in the right place with the right team, he knows what to do and of course it is his decision if he doesn’t want to stay.”
(Image: PA)
Berbatov, who made over 100 appearances for Spurs before joining Manchester United , added: “The constant rumours about the Real Madrid job are confusing for the people involved.
“In those situations when you read these things you start to question yourself. Am I in the right place? Do I need to move now? Is it time for change?
“It doesn’t affect anyone in a positive way. Everyone should put this thinking aside and let Pochettino focus on his work as Tottenham manager.
“A time will come when he says goodbye, but I hope it isn’t going to be just now.
