Mauricio Pochettino says he can build a legacy at Tottenham to rival Sir Alex Ferguson's at Manchester United, after revealing he has verbally agreed a new contract with Spurs.

On Friday, Pochettino announced that he is close to signing a new five-year deal that will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2021.

If the 44-year-old sees out his new contract, he will become the second longest-serving manager in Spurs' history behind the legendary Bill Nicholson, who won the league and FA Cup double in 1961.

Ferguson won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, in 27 years at Old Trafford and Pochettino sees no reason why he cannot achieve similar success at Spurs.

Asked if it was possible to replicate the Scot's achievements, Pochettino replied: "Why not? Sir Alex Ferguson is a very special person. He was given the security to build his legacy at Manchester United.

"I believe we are special too, and we can build it here together. This club is special," added the former Argentine international, who uses "we" rather than "I" in reference to himself and his coaching staff: assistant manager Jesus Perez, first team coach Miguel D'Agostino and goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez.

"I feel the love from the beginning, from the very first day. I am very happy to be here to hopefully achieve big things.

"Our focus is to try to perform as well in the next game, because always in football the most important time is the present. But it is important for all to know I believe in this club, the players, the staff, the supporters and the people here. This is important. That is why we have decided to stay here. We have made steps in the time we have been here and we believe in more time we can achieve big things," he added.

However, Pochettino again warned that the club faced a difficult period while it builds a new 65,000-seat stadium a stone's throw from the current ground.

The £400 million project is due to be ready for the start of the 2018-19 season and Pochettino hinted that Spurs may prioritise the plans over other aspects of the club.

"I think the potential is fantastic, with the new stadium but the club is coming to a very tough period because we are building a new stadium and we may focus sometimes on that. But at the same time it is very exciting," he finished.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by Dan Kilpatrick, Tottenham correspondent

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