Mauricio Pochettino is known for fostering a strong team culture, emphasizing togetherness and a harmonious environment, qualities that Manchester United reportedly needs. The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager's approach includes not being afraid to enforce discipline and not tolerating underperformers.
During his time at Chelsea, Pochettino hosted a large barbecue for players and staff, aiming to create a homely atmosphere. He believed that a positive culture at the training ground could translate to better performances on the pitch. He also reportedly kept lemons in his office, believing they harnessed 'universal energy,' highlighting his focus on maintaining a good mood.
If Manchester United were to part ways with their current manager, the prospect of managing a club of United's stature would not faze Pochettino. He has openly admitted a desire to manage the club in the future. During an interview while managing the United States, he told his assistant, "One day, your dream comes true... you go to Manchester United!" referring to his assistant's frequent visits to the National Football Museum in Manchester.
Pochettino's management style is characterized by a demand for full commitment. His decision to exile players like Younes Kaboul, Etienne Capoue, and Paulinho at Tottenham, while promoting talents like Harry Kane, exemplifies his approach to building a team. His philosophy, often summarized by the mantra 'culture eats strategy for breakfast,' was evident in his work with the U.S. national team, where he aimed to counter a perceived lack of extra effort among senior players. He reportedly stopped player Christian Pulisic from skipping key games after a demanding club season.
He has also demonstrated an ability to manage club executives, having a reportedly good working relationship with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. This involved open dialogue, even when they disagreed, which Pochettino stated was crucial for making decisions that were best for the club. His tenure at Tottenham was marked by intense, high-energy football, featuring aggressive pressing and dynamic wing-backs.
However, his time at Chelsea presented challenges. The football was described as somewhat chaotic and lacked control. Pochettino struggled to win over the Chelsea fanbase, partly due to his history with rivals Tottenham. Accusations arose that his high-intensity training methods contributed to the club's injury crisis, a claim he disputed. His power at Chelsea appeared to wane, notably when the club pursued a set-piece specialist after he had dismissed the idea, and he departed before the specialist arrived.
Pochettino's tactics and intensity have led to debate about whether United possesses the right players to implement his system and how he would adapt to the evolving Premier League landscape, where many teams now employ similar physical and high-pressing styles.
Players who have worked with Pochettino, such as Manchester United's Luke Shaw, who played under him at Southampton, have spoken highly of him. Shaw admitted he would welcome the opportunity to work with Pochettino again and recalled the manager's support even after their professional relationship ended. Many Chelsea players were reportedly devastated by his departure.
Despite the challenges at Chelsea and the evolving tactical environment in the Premier League, Pochettino's reputation as a builder of teams and a manager who can develop players and foster a strong team culture persists. Whether these attributes align with Manchester United's needs remains to be seen.