Pochettino praises Wenger ahead of North London derby

CAIRO – 16 November 2017 : Tottenham Hotspurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino, praised Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger ahead of their clash at North London Derby on Saturday at the Premier League.

“Wenger was an innovator, ahead of everyone, like Ferguson. It’s difficult to innovate but you must try to create a project under your ideas and philosophies take you ahead of other clubs. They were ahead. That’s why my respect and admiration is high,” Pochettino told press on Thursday.

Wenger revolutionized Arsenal when he signed for the club in 1996, introducing a new style of play to the Premier League. Since then, he has bred rivalry between his team and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester.

Pochettino added, “He will always be a special manager. To keep motivated more than three years is difficult. Five years, you must be very good — very good if you’re 10 years. When you talk about 20 years, it’s amazing. Everyone who talks about him needs to show respect.”

Wenger stayed with Arsenal for more than 20 years, achieving many titles with the club, three Premier League titles, seven FA Cup titles and seven Community Shields.

Arsenal hosts Tottenham Hotspurs on Saturday at the Premier League in the North London Derby.