Jose Mourinho: New Tottenham manager insists Mauricio Pochettino is ‘always welcome’ at Spurs

The Portuguese’s first match is at West Ham on Saturday

Jose Mourinho insists Mauricio Pochettino will always be welcome back at Tottenham Hotspur after replacing him as manager.

Mourinho returned to management on Wednesday and is will face West Ham in his first game in charge on Saturday.

But Mourinho emphasised his predecessor has done an “incredible job” to set him up and would be welcomed back whenever he wants.

“I’ve been smiling for two days. First of all I do it with a bit of sadness, I have to speak about Mauricio,” Mourinho said.

“I have to congratulate him on the incredible job he did. I share with you what we shared inside. This club will always be his home, this training ground his training ground. He is always welcome here.

“Tomorrow is another day. He will find happiness soon. He will give everything like he did at this club. He will leave with sadness with the feeling that he did great work. It is what everyone at the club felt.

Mourinho acknowledged the club’s talented squad and academy as the driving force behind him choosing Spurs.

“I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters,” Mourinho explained.

“The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”