Mauricio Pochettino can see the funny side of Jose Mourinho taking his job at Spurs – after being tipped to replace the Special One at Real Madrid.
Back in 2012, speculation was rife that the Argentine was going to take Mourinho’s job at the Bernabeu.
Pochettino said: “Espanyol were going to play Real Madrid and in the press conference before the game, the media asked me about that.
“I said my kids are sleeping in Espanyol pyjamas every night so it’s difficult to think about changing!
“When I arrived at the stadium, Jose was waiting for me with a bag with a very nice bottle of French red wine and two kits of Real Madrid shirts and shorts.
“He says, ‘It’s okay, these are for your kids to wear from now on!’
“We were joking from there and we have kept a very good relationship. I am so happy that he is at Tottenham, replacing me.
“In life, look what happens. He was at Real Madrid. I say, ‘Oh, maybe one day I can take your place at Real Madrid’. Now he has taken my place at Tottenham. Unbelievable, eh?”
Pochettino also revealed details of an unlikely coffee-date pre-lockdown with former Arsenal manager Unai Emery.
He said: “We met with Unai. He was the enemy! But we finished at around the same time and took a coffee in Cockfosters to talk and to share our experiences.
"People were walking past and saying, ‘Unai and Pochettino are now sharing a coffee!’ It was very funny.”
