Pochettino responds to Real links as Tottenham line-up replacement

Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino has responded to reports that he is being lined-up to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

Zidane is under enormous pressure after a hugely disappointing season so far for the reigning La Liga champions, who currently sit 19 points behind leaders Barcelona in fourth place in the table.

Reports suggest that the Frenchman will be on his way at the end of the season as Real president Florentino Perez revamps the coaching set-up and first-team squad at The Bernabeu.

Germany boss Joachim Low has been mentioned as a potential successor to Zidane, while Pochettino is also highly regarded by Perez after turning Spurs into title contenders and Champions League regulars since his arrival in north London in 2014.

During an interview with radio station Onda Cero, Pochettino didn’t exactly rule himself out of the running for the job but did admit he is more than happy where he is, for now.

He said: “I’m happy where I am just now. Football will take me where I want to go. Jorge Griffa, who is like a father to me, once told me to not think too much, enjoy the present, be professional and responsible, and football will take you where you want.

Pochettino’s comments are significant given that Gazetta dello Sport claims Spurs have contacted Carlo Ancelotti’s agent to discuss the possibility of the Italian becoming their new manager if Pochettino leaves.

Ancelotti has been out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich in September but enjoyed tremendous success in the Premier League at Chelsea, where he guided the Blues to a league and FA Cup double in 2010.