Mourinho told me to take the Saints job, says Pochettino

SOUTHAMPTON’S new boss Mauricio Pochettino yesterday revealed Jose Mourinho told him to take the job.

The Argentine was announced as Saints’ new head coach hours after Nigel Adkins was given the boot by ruthless chairman Nicola Cortese.

Pochettino, 40, is pals with former Chelsea boss Mourinho after spending three years as coach of Spanish side Espanyol.

Speaking through an interpreter, the new St Mary’s chief said: “I know the Premier League really well. In Spain we follow it closely and I am a great admirer of English football. I am very happy to be here.

“I am very passionate about the Premier League. I have seen many games and it is a very attractive league to me.

“I have spoken at length with people that know this league and have been part of it, such as Jose Mourinho, who is a good friend of mine.

“He told me the best football in the world is being played here. That has fully convinced me to come here.”

Pochettino claimed at his unveiling that his move to St Mary’s happened quickly but, speaking in Spain, he revealed: “I know all about the squad because I have been researching them for several weeks.”

Adkins left a handwritten message for his players at the training ground. And his departure after masterminding Saints’ incredible rise from the League One relegation zone back to the Premier League sparked a furious reaction from supporters.

Pochettino, whose side entertain Everton on Monday night, has vowed to win over the fans with an attractive brand of football.

He added: “It all happened really quickly. Small details are not important — it is important I am here. That feeling is normal.

“I am sure they will be supporting the team and supporting the players during 90 minutes. Of course the fans are free to express their feelings. I cannot tell them what to feel but I will respect how they feel.

“Hopefully I can convince them with work, honesty and that they enjoy the way the team plays.

“The biggest challenge is to win all the games ahead of us. I like attractive football, attacking football. A type of football the fans can be proud of.”

Pochettino speaks barely any English and conducted his 24-minute Press conference through an interpreter.

The former Argentina defender, who cracked a joke in English about the British weather, insists the language barrier will not hamper his efforts to keep Saints in the Premier League. Pochettino said: “Football is an international language. We see many other examples.

“Pep Guardiola, for example, signing for a German club.

“I don’t yet speak English properly. I hope in a short period of time I will be able to.”

Pochettino has 20 caps for his country and is most famous in England for fouling Michael Owen to concede David Beckham’s winning penalty at the 2002 World Cup in Japan.

He began his coaching career with Espanyol’s WOMEN’S team before spending three years in charge of the first team.

He was fired in November after they slumped to the bottom of La Liga.

Pochettino said: “I always bring an honest work ethic and effort. I am an aggressive manager in a positive sense. I have spoken to the chairman.

“I have heard very clearly about the great project, about growing and maintaining Southampton in the top flight for many years.”

Pochettino met senior Saints players Kelvin Davis, Adam Lallana and Jose Fonte before facing the media.

He will bring an entire backroom team with him to St Mary’s after assistant manager Andy Crosby, long-serving coach Dean Wilkins and goalkeeper coach Jim Stannard were axed alongside Adkins.