Smiles of disbelief: Mauricio Pochettino explains he’s on a day off, and he’s heard there’s action at Market Road

Published: 17 October, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

SPURS manager Mauricio Pochettino stunned scores of young footballers on Saturday when he turned up pitchside to watch them in action. 

The Argentine coach did his best to go unnoticed at Market Road when he unexpectedly showed up at the pitches in Islington to watch the inaugural Ocean Outdoor Pro Invitational Football Festival. 

But after being spotted by some of the sharp-eyed young players, it wasn’t long before he was in the thick of the action – sharing his tactical know-how and posing for pictures. 

Tournament organiser Ash Rahman, who also runs Pro Touch Soccer Academy, said he felt revitalised after sharing the sidelines with Pochettino.

“We were chatting for a good 20 minutes, and he was telling me about the pressures of managing in the Premier League. 

“What was clear was the importance that he puts on giving young players the chance to progress into the first team.

“I’ve been involved in football for over 15 years and know only too well that some managers don’t even care about their own academies, let alone any other independent set-ups such as ours. It was refreshing to talk to someone who genuinely cares about youth football, and who understands the importance it has in the game,” he added.

“Meeting him has really motivated me to keep on working hard with the boys at Pro Touch, knowing that there are still managers at the top of the English game who are happy to give our players the chance if they’re good enough.” 

Pochettino’s faith in young players would have been even stronger on Saturday evening after seeing the quality on show at Market Road. 

Hosts Pro Touch were joined by players from Camden Elite, Arsenal in the Community and Reading as more than 250 youngsters showed off their silky skills. One player in particular certainly delighted Pochettino, as his son starred in the Tottenham side that won the Under-14s age group.