‘State of shock’: Premier League sacking leaves fans ‘devastated’
Tottenham Hotspur have sacked head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the English Premier League club have announced.
The Argentinian has been relieved of his duties after five-and-a-half years in charge at the north London club.
Spurs, who were in the Champions League final only six months ago, have endured a tough start to the season and are currently 14th in the Premier League table.
Chairman Daniel Levy, who appointed Pochettino in June 2014, said: "We were extremely reluctant to make this change and it is not a decision the board have taken lightly, nor in haste.
"Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and the beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing.
"It falls on the board to make the difficult decisions - this one made more so given the many memorable moments we have had with Mauricio and his coaching staff - but we do so in the club's best interests."
News of Tottenham's momentous decision sent shockwaves through the football world on Wednesday (AEDT).
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the man regarded by many as one of the finest managers in Spurs' history.
Poch took Spurs to a Champions League final on a shoestring budget. Whoever gets him next will be very lucky. Top manager!
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) November 19, 2019
This shouldn't be happening.
Thank you for everything, Poch. pic.twitter.com/lBpg4XBMbQ— DC Spurs (@DCSpurs) November 19, 2019
This man deserved better and we didn’t deserve him, there’s some very bitter impatient “fans” out there. End of an era. No doubt he’ll go on and do bigger and better things, thanks Poch #COYS pic.twitter.com/7QBpFnMl3C
— Smiv (@smivadee) November 19, 2019
Devestated, heart broken - are all understatements to what I am feeling at the moment. This man and his team brought us so much joy, so much growth. Thank you Papa Poch, and Jesus, Toni, and Mickey. There are no words to describe the gratitude and affection we have for you. #POCH pic.twitter.com/XqD4jmZWKw
— Donna (@donnnatron) November 19, 2019
Genuinely in a state of shock.
The manager that has been at the fore front of my club as I’ve really fell in love with the club
I’ll love you forever Poch. pic.twitter.com/U0I4Tybpgf— ᴀʟᴇx (@_10Kane) November 19, 2019
It was becoming inevitable but still feels so wrong. I’m not ready to try and articulate what Poch has done for this club & what he means to me. Absolutely devastated.
— Kieran (@Kieran_N17) November 19, 2019
Absolutely heartbroken. All I can say is thank you Poch, you deserve so much better. pic.twitter.com/N2ArIDMwiK
— Kerry 💙⚽️ (@KerryCOYS) November 19, 2019
Pissed off at the hearing of the sacking of Poch. Absolutely surreal. I’ve been #POCHIN since the beggining of summer, but it seems Levy had different plans. Thanks for everything, Poch.
— aiba (@aibastu) November 19, 2019
You'll regret sacking Poch @SpursOfficial
Trust me...
No manager can sustain a team at that level without financial support like Poch.
NO MANAGER.
And yes... I'm a Chelsea fan. pic.twitter.com/aQPc0bmVfX— Coca Cola papi (@ChuksNoble4) November 19, 2019
The chairman went on to praise Pochettino for the lasting legacy he has left on the north London club.
“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history," Levy said.
"I have the utmost admiration for the manner in which he dealt with the difficult times away from a home ground whilst we built the new stadium and for the warmth and positivity he brought to us. I should like to thank him and his coaching staff for all they have contributed. They will always be welcome here.
“We have a talented squad. We need to re-energise and look to deliver a positive season for our supporters.”
With agencies
