LEEDS boss Marcelo Bielsa has backed Mauricio Pochettino to make an instant return to a top side in just 15 days.
Clubs across Europe are not prepared to hang around after he was axed by Tottenham on Tuesday evening.
Bielsa has backed Mauricio Pochettino to make an instant comebackCredit: EPA
SunSport exclusively revealed how Barcelona are interested in luring him to the Nou Camp.
But his loyalty to Barca’s nearest rivals Espanyol, where he played and managed over a ten-year period, may prove to be a spanner in the works.
Poch has already gone back to his house in Spain for a welcome break but will no doubt be fielding some calls over the next few days.
Bielsa and Pochettino are close friends from their native Argentina and the Leeds gaffer has backed him to make an instant return.
He said: “The work Pochettino’s done is brilliant. He put Tottenham at a high level. This for any manager is a very important achievement.
“For him it’s more important because the team that played the Champions League final was one he built carefully.
“Big teams in the world will try to take him. He’s a manager who for sure will lead one of the best teams in the world. He made Tottenham one of the most important teams in the world.
“I like and respect Mauricio a lot. When something that’s not good happens to him, I can’t ignore this. The effect of this situation is that I feel sad. But within 15 days he’ll be at the top again.”
Current Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is under pressure which will only be increased with Pochettino’s availability.
If he is handed a swift appointment, then he could be in charge for the El Clasico on December 18.
It could prove to be a sensational turn of events after Los Blancos made an attempt to secure his signature over the summer.
Bayern Munich are also interested as their search to fill the vacant position continues.
Former Argentina coach Bielsa instructs Pochettino while playing for his countryCredit: Reuters
Jose Mourinho pays tribute to Mauricio Pochettino in first press conference as new Tottenham coach
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
