Mauricio Pochettino Reacts to Daniel Levy Leaving Spurs | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino Reflects on Daniel Levy’s Departure from Tottenham Hotspur

Pochettino Surprised by Levy Exit

Mauricio Pochettino has spoken of his surprise at Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur, describing the news as a shock after a near 25-year association between chairman and club. Spurs confirmed on Thursday that Levy would step down, ending a tenure that began in 2001 when he succeeded Sir Alan Sugar.

Pochettino, who led Tottenham between 2014 and 2019, shared his reaction during international duty with the United States national team. “I knew the news about Daniel Levy yesterday,” he said. “I am a little bit in shock, because he was my former president. I don’t know what happened there.”

The Argentine added that he had reached out personally. “Of course, I sent a text to him and I sent a text to different people that were very close to him. Still no answer (from Levy). I don’t have more information. What I want to say is I wish all the best for his life and his family time.”

Photo IMAGO

Relationship Built on Trust

During Pochettino’s five-year spell in north London, his working relationship with Levy was integral to Tottenham’s progress. Together they oversaw one of the club’s most exciting eras, culminating in a Champions League final appearance in 2019.

“My relationship was always very good. I was in shock like many people that know him,” Pochettino explained. The respect he holds for Levy remains evident, even as he reflects from a distance.

The chairman was often portrayed as a shrewd operator, negotiating tough deals and keeping Spurs financially steady during the costly move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Pochettino’s words underline how Levy was not only a business figure but also a constant presence within the daily workings of the football department.

Legacy of a Long Tenure

Levy’s reign at Tottenham Hotspur has left a significant legacy. He presided over the transition from White Hart Lane to a state-of-the-art 62,000-seater home, transforming the club’s infrastructure and global standing. His decisions often divided supporters, particularly around spending, but few can deny the influence he had on reshaping Spurs into one of Europe’s most modern football institutions.

Photo: IMAGO

For managers, Levy could be both ally and obstacle. Pochettino’s recollections are telling, showing the trust and respect that underpinned their partnership. That trust helped Spurs punch above their financial weight, consistently finishing in the top four and building a squad that mixed homegrown talent with smart acquisitions.

Uncertainty for Tottenham’s Future

Levy’s departure raises inevitable questions about the direction Tottenham Hotspur will now take. The stability he provided, even if sometimes contentious, is difficult to replicate. Fans will be eager to see whether a successor can match his ability to balance ambition with financial prudence.

For Pochettino, now leading the United States national side, the news was more than a headline. It marked the end of an era connected to his own career highlights. His shock reflects the wider football community’s reaction, with many surprised that Levy’s long and defining tenure has concluded so abruptly.