Skip to content

Mauricio Pochettino 'teaches you about life', says Tottenham's Victor Wanyama

Victor Wanyama Mauricio Pochettino
Image: Victor Wanyama was signed by Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is "like a father who teaches you about life", according to Victor Wanyama.

The Kenya midfielder, who signed from Southampton last summer, has worked with Pochettino at two clubs and insists the Argentine has played a crucial role in his development as a person, as well as a player.

Get Sky Sports for £18
Get Sky Sports for £18

Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months for just £18 per month!

"I'd never had a manager who wants you to improve day-by-day like him," Wanyama. "He works on your weakness, he's a good role model and he doesn't just look at football, but life in general.

"He teaches you about life, how to live with people, and that was amazing to me. I've learned a lot of things through him and I don't just see him as a manager but as a father figure.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tottenham 2-1 Southampton

"Mauricio has improved my game in all aspects; everything. It's not just football, in life as well I've learned a lot of things. He's been able to teach me a lot inside and outside football, how to live with people, how to be humble."

Wanyama says he signed for Tottenham, who are second in the Premier League ahead of a trip to Burnley on Saturday, because he could see they were going places under Pochettino.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hot
Image: Wanyama says he has an excellent relationship with his manager

He told the club's website: "I'd played against Spurs a few times and they were a hard team to beat. The manager started improving the team and I felt this was a club going somewhere.

Also See:

"I looked at where the club was heading and with the manager, I knew I couldn't go wrong. I know he builds for the future and wants to fight for everything. I couldn't resist that."

Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!

Around Sky