Mauricio Pochettino has weighed into the debate surrounding the leadership skills of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and appears to have suggested that the Spaniard has underestimated the Premier League.
The pressure continues to increase on the new City boss, who is currently enduring one of the worst seasons of his managerial career at the Etihad. The Citizens' title hopes already appear to be over as they sit seven points off leaders Chelsea, who can extend that lead even further on Wednesday evening when they face Pochettino's Tottenham.
Mauricio Pochettino warns Pep Guardiola that he will need 'humility' to win in England https://t.co/PXU2vi1uuW pic.twitter.com/OVLbGEU1iU
With his coaching skills being severely tested for perhaps the first time in his career, Guardiola appeared to be riled by the constant criticism regarding his team's poor form when he cast a grumpy figure during a recent post-match interview with the BBC.
And as people continue to question the former Barcelona boss, his top four counterpart, Mauricio Pochettino, appears to have suggested that the Spaniard must become more humble and respectful of the Premier League,if he wants to turn City's fortunes around.
The Spurs manager said(as quoted by theIndependent):When you go somewhere new it is never easy, and the Premier League is a completely different place.
You do not endure it, or realise how difficult it is until you get here. People tend to underestimate the Premier League. They think they still play long balls here, with no quality of football and that Wednesday is a day off. Well, it is not like that. I have been in the country for four years and I have never seen that.�
MAD: Pep Guardiola's post-match interview after beating Burnley. Not happy.  (@BBCMOTD)pic.twitter.com/JtwofhKiOx
If you arrive here and you are not humble enough to know that you have to work hard, you will be disappointed.
Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world and it is normal that he needs time to work and to put his ideas into practice.�