Former Tottenham star Victor Wanyama has claimed that Mauricio Pochettino would pick Spurs over rivals Chelsea if he had the choice between managing the two sides. Both London clubs are in search of a new head coach going into the summer, with their projects in need of new guidance.
The Blues have managed to have four different managers in the dugout this season, with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard all taking the reigns. After a chaotic 12 months, the next appointment from Todd Boehly and his regime will have to be the right one.
Pochettino has emerged the favourite, though a thorough process means that he is yet to be decided upon as the next manager. The former PSG boss is closing in on the job, football.london understands, with positive talks held, but no sign of when there will be a conclusion.
READ MORE: Tottenham centre rebuild around £22m Barcelona star as Daniel Levy sets up for next manager
Given that he is a free agent, many Tottenham supporters and pundits have called for an approach to be made for the Argentinian coach after his successful first spell. At this stage though, there is yet to be that move from Spurs to make it a historic return to the club.
Despite that, Wanyama believes that if he was given the opportunity to choose, Pochettino would pick Tottenham over their rivals Chelsea. He told London World: "I get it and I get how the fans feel and Poch [Pochettino] should be the manager of Tottenham next season, not Chelsea.
“I can understand the frustration within the fanbase because they know Pochettino gave everything and I believe if there are two offers on the table between Chelsea and Tottenham, then the Pochettino I know will choose Tottenham.”
“To be honest all I want is for Poch to be happy and to get back to doing what he loves the most and what makes him happy, so if he’s happy, I’m happy. He will always be a mentor to me and a father figure to me, he showed me the game and improved my game massively.
“We’ve been through so much together so I can only support him with whatever decision he makes, I know football is strange because you can end up where you don’t expect but we are still human after football and it will always stay like that.”
It remains to be seen whether a late approach from the Lilywhites will be made, but at this stage it looks more likely that Pochettino will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge instead.
READ NEXT:
Every word Ryan Mason said on Harry Kane, Emerson, Pedro Porro and changing Tottenham's system
Tottenham player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Harry Kane scores as Romero, Porro and Emerson shine
Mauricio Pochettino meeting revealed as Chelsea 'blown away' amid Tottenham plea
Daniel Levy begins next Tottenham manager talks as Spurs hit reset button with drastic overhaul
Daniel Levy's next Tottenham manager will already have a 'new signing' to work with at Spurs
