Today’s back pages: ‘Goodbye Pochettino… hello Mourinho’ at Spurs

Spurs axe Poch and appoint Jose

All of today’s newspaper back pages focus on Mauricio Pochettino’s sensational sacking by Tottenham Hotspur. This morning it was also confirmed that Jose Mourinho will take over as the new Spurs manager.

Pochettino, who was appointed in May 2014, was last night relieved of his duties following a poor run of results. His coaching staff - Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Antoni Jimenez - have also left the club.

The Times calls it a “ruthless” decision by Tottenham while the Daily Mirror says the “shock sacking” has left supporters stunned. The Sun adds that the 47-year-old had “lost the dressing room”.

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Argentine Pochettino led the north London club to last season’s Champions League final but this campaign they have struggled in the Premier League and are currently 14th in the table after 12 games.

‘Extremely disappointing results’

In a statement Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: “We were extremely reluctant to make this change and it is not a decision the board has taken lightly, nor in haste.

“Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing. It falls to 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.

“Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history. 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.”

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Mourinho appointed

It was heavily speculated before the papers went to press last night that Mourinho would take over at Tottenham. But first thing this morning the Portuguese was confirmed as the new head coach.

He said: “I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters. The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”

Chairman Levy added: “In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football. He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician.

“He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.”

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Today’s back pages

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