Moussa Sissoko: Mauricio Pochettino has achieved 'something extraordinary' in management career

Spurs star: Sissoko is Tottenham's record signing at £30million
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James Benge9 November 2016

Moussa Sissoko has praised his new manager Mauricio Pochettino for achieving “something extraordinary” in the first years of his management career.

Pochettino has secured Tottenham’s place as a major force in English football and contender for Champions League football since joining from Southampton in 2014. At St Mary’s he had secured the Saints’ best finish in over 20 years whilst at Espanyol the former Argentine international was widely praised for his ability to manage under tight financial restraints.

He may need to prove that ability again as Spurs invest in their new stadium but there were no restraints on Pochettino when he signed Sissoko for £30million from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

Sissoko has yet to live up to that significant price tag but he seems convinced that he has found the right manager to bring out his talents.

Tottenham's record signings

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“We have very good relations,” Sissoko told Foot Mercato. “When I signed this summer, we both talked. He talks to me a lot. As this is a new system, another way to play, he explains how to play, what he expects of me. For me he is a very good coach.

“We see what he has managed to do in the past with Espanyol, and after that Southampton and Tottenham. That is really something extraordinary. It is true that his work requires a lot of intensity in the game, but it pays off. In view of the results, what he does is good.”

The midfielder missed Tottenham’s last three matches after being charged with violent conduct for an elbow on Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter.

That meant missing out on the North London Derby, where a much-weakened Tottenham earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Though the performance was much improved Spurs’ winless run extended to seven and Sissoko is eager to return and aid his new side’s cause.

“It was very frustrating not being able to participate in the last three league games,” Sissoko said. “Even the last match against Arsenal which was the big derby. Today that is in the past.

“I’m trying to concentrate on our upcoming matches. When I return I will be fit to play. It will be up to me to give everything to make the best possible results.”

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