Mauricio Pochettino described Jose Mourinho as "one of the best managers in the world" when asked about him back in August.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss replaced the Argentine at the Lane on Wednesday morning after Pochettino had been sacked on Tuesday night.
Pochettino’s sacking comes following a run of just three wins in 12 Premier League games this season, with Spurs currently 12th in the table, 20 points behind leaders Liverpool.
While Mourinho, who has been working as a pundit for Sky Sports and beIN SPORTS recently, has been out of work since being sacked by United in December.
But despite his sacking last season, it was clear that Pochettino still held the Portuguese in high regard, especially after he tipped Spurs at the start of this season to be challenging for major honours.
“I love Mou,” the Argentine replied when asked about Mourinho back in August.
"We all know he is so clever, he is so sarcastic sometimes, that is why he is one of the best managers in the world.
"I respect his opinion. I am grateful, too, because a coach like Mourinho believing in our potential to be a contender is important.
"We have our belief and our faith in us, but that compliment helps us to believe that little bit more, of course."
Mourinho also opened up on how he would try to talk Pochettino out of quitting Tottenham if he had won the Champions League last season.
The 47-year-old dropped the bombshell that he could be off if he achieved the "miracle" of leading the north London club to European glory last season, with Mourinho responding to his comment on beIN SPORTS by saying: "I would tell him not to do it."
Mourinho's first game in charge will be a huge London derby away at West Ham United at 12.30pm on Saturday.
