The Portuguese is impressed by how his predecessor lasted for five-and-a-half years in the cut-and-thrust of modern football management, claiming the days of long-term appointments such as Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal are a thing of the past.
At the time of Pochettino’s departure, the only Premier League managers to have served at their current clubs longer were Sean Dyche and Eddie Howe at Burnley and Bournemouth respectively.
While Mourinho’s three-and-a-half year contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023, he hopes to stay at Tottenham longer before finishing his career back at his hometown club.
Trending
Although his calculations were not helped by his struggle to remember how old he is right now.
“I am 57,” he said. “56, even - 56 years old! Last club in England? I would love that to be the case.
“I would love to stay many years. I say many years but I know realistically how football is.
“If I could do a Mauricio for five-and-a-half years, it would be amazing.
Jose Mourinho explains why he wants to ‘do a Mauricio Pochettino’ at Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
If I could do a Mauricio for five-and-a-half years, it would be amazing.
Jose Mourinho
“I would be 61 – then 10 more years. Vitoria Setubal in Portugal maybe the last job.”
Mourinho was full of praise for his predecessor, who took Spurs to the Champions League final and their highest ever Premier League points total during his reign at the helm.
"I’ve been smiling for two days. First of all, and I do it with a bit of sadness, I have to speak about Mauricio," he said at his first Spurs press conference on Thursday.
"I have to congratulate him for the work that he did.
"I have to share with you what we already shared indoors which is that this club will always be his home, this training ground will always be his training ground.
Jose Mourinho explains why he wants to ‘do a Mauricio Pochettino’ at Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy