Pochettino reveals he met with sacked Arsenal counterpart Emery before lockdown for ‘very funny’ coffee morning
MAURICIO POCHETTINO met with Unai Emery for a "very funny" coffee morning after both were sacked from their managerial roles in North London.
Poch was axed as Tottenham manager last November while Emery was shown the exit door just ten days later with rivals Arsenal.
Despite the clubs being fierce enemies on the field, the duo commiserated together for a "very funny" chat along with assistant Jesus Perez that raised eyebrows among the locals.
Speaking to the Guardian, unemployed Pochettino recalled: "Before the pandemic, me and Jesús met with Unai for a coffee, to talk and share our experiences.
"We were working in different clubs, we were at the enemy, and people were walking past and saying: 'Unai and Pochettino and Jesús are now sharing a coffee!'
"It was in Cockfosters [in North London]. It was very funny.
"It has been an amazing time to review and analyse everything: training sessions, games, our methodology, our models of training … to design specific and collective works.
"And, of course, to try to adapt for the new normality, to be ready for any eventuality, because the demands are going to be completely different."
Pochettino, 48, is now free to talk to clubs after his gardening period at Spurs came to an end earlier this month.
Demand for his signature is set to be high after guiding the Whites to the Champions League final last season.
But despite being previously linked with high profile jobs at Manchester United and Barcelona, Newcastle remain favourites to land a deal when their £300million takeover is completed.
And Pochettino admitted that he is ready to return to the dugout while hinting the Premier League remains his first choice.
The Argentine added: "We are looking forward for the next job.
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"Football is very dynamic and you need to be ready for the moment when the offer appears.
"We are ready. After six months, our tanks are completely full.
"It’s about the club and, of course, the people, the human dimension. We are so open. Of course, we love England and the Premier League."
