Mauricio Pochettino sacked: Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld break silence on manager’s departure

The pair both paid tribute to the Argentine after his dismissal was confirmed by chairman Daniel Levy

Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen both paid tribute to Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentine was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening.

Pochettino was dismissed after five-and-a-half years in north London during which he secured four successive top-four finishes and guided the club to the Champions League final.

Jose Mourinho is now understood to be the favourite to take over with Spurs currently in negotiations with the former Manchester United and Chelsea manager.

Spurs are currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after a miserable run of form compounded by their 7-2 battering at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.

Alli wrote on Twitter: ”I can’t thank this man enough. He’s taught me so much and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me. Good luck and hope to see you again my friend.”

Meanwhile, Alderweireld, who only found out about the news at the conclusion of Belgium’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Cyprus, said: ”I knew it after the game. It’s part of football.

“It’s never nice to see a manager leave but that’s all I can say I think. It’s a surprise for me. The club made the decision and we have to accept this and try to change the situation as quick as we can.

“We have come a long way together and we achieved big things, you can see where we have come from before my time at Spurs.

“We have to be very thankful for what he achieved and I think he brought the club to the next level.

“It’s the first time in my career that the manager of the team has changed so it’s strange for me.”

In a statement “reluctantly” confirming Pochettino’s departure, chairman Daniel Levy said: “Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing.

Mauricio Pochettino’s reign has come to an end (Getty)

“It falls to the Board to make the difficult decisions – this one made more so given the many memorable moments we have had with Mauricio and his coaching staff – but we do so in the club’s best interests.

“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history. I have the utmost admiration for the manner in which he dealt with the difficult times away from a home ground whilst we built the new stadium and for the warmth and positivity he brought to us. I should like to thank him and his coaching staff for all they have contributed. They will always be welcome here.

“We have a talented squad. We need to re-energise and look to deliver a positive season for our supporters.”