Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy opens up on ‘heartache’ of Mauricio Pochettino sacking
Upcoming All Or Nothing documentary series sheds more light on chairman’s character than fans are used to seeing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In a key scene from the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary series All Or Nothing, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy opens up on the emotional decision to sack former club coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The documentary begins with Spurs’ poor start to the 2019/20 campaign, leading to Pochettino’s sacking in November, though the majority of it was glossed over.
Chairman Daniel Levy, who had a close relationship with the Argentinian, did however open up on the decision to replace his manager.
“A lot of heartache is the honest answer,” he said when asked how he felt. “It’s never easy when you have to ask someone to leave the club. When you’ve been working with someone for five-and-a-half years, it’s difficult.
“My heart was telling me ‘Don’t do it’ and my brain was telling me ‘You need to do it.’
“It’s the most emotional decision I’ve ever had to make. It was more than just an employer-employee relationship. We went away together, we had a lot of fond times outside the club. I’m sure after a little while we’ll continue doing that.
“At the moment things are a little raw, which is understandable. Mixed emotions. It’s not a nice experience for either of us.
“Everyone is going to have different opinions. That fact is that the results weren’t where they needed to be.
“We have to do what we feel is right for the club and only time will tell if it’s the right decision.”
The cameras were following the club for the entire season and were there to witness some dramatic moments.
Jose Mourinho, who replaced Pochettino, did not let the filming affect his management style, though, as he was happy to give candid team talks, which make for fascinating viewing.
In one of his early speeches to his team he accused them of being too nice.
“Maybe I am wrong, I feel that you are honestly a very nice group of guys,” he said. “But for 90 minutes you cannot be nice, for 90 minutes you have to be a bunch of c****, but intelligent c****, not stupid c****. B******* in the sense that you are there to win matches man.
“We have to win. I wouldn’t come here if you were not as good as you were. No chance.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments