Football
ESPN staff 9y

Jurgen Klinsmann supports Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino

Former Tottenham star Jurgen Klinsmann has announced his support for Spurs' boss Mauricio Pochettino, saying theĀ embattled manager needs time to build the team he wants.

Klinsmann, who played for Tottenham during two stints in the 1990s, is in London ahead of the United States' friendly against Colombia at Craven Cottage on Friday.

The World Cup-winning forward-turned-manager was in attendance on Saturday as Tottenham lost 2-1 to Stoke, but said Spurs fans must have patience while Pochettino executes a long-term plan.

"I wish Mauricio only the best. I think he's a tremendous, talented coach. He's shown that already," Klinsmann told the British press, according to The Guardian. "He's got a smart brain, we'll see over time how things work out.

"If you want to evaluate the work of a coach then you can only do that over a longer period of time. In order for Mauricio to put his stamp on Spurs he needs time, he also needs a couple of transfer windows over time to build the team he has in mind, to put the puzzle together that he envisions."

Tottenham sit 12th in the Premier League table, and Klinsmann said understand the fans' current frustration.

"The team means so much to them. No matter where you go you always find Spurs fans," Klinsmann said, according to The Telegraph. "If a game doesn't go well then it's normal that the crowd has every right to be a bit pessimistic.

"I actually thought the crowd tried to give positive energy to give them a push [against Stoke]. The 2-1 came and I had the feel that the equaliser would be right there."

Klinsmann has been the United States coach since 2011 and led them into the knockout stage of the World Cup last summer. He also spoke about his own long-term plan with his Americans, but he wouldn't rule out one day taking over as Tottenham manager.

"I don't know. Right now I see me hopefully doing a good job for us," Klinsmann said. "I never imagined when I was a player that I would become a coach. So you never know what happens tomorrow and in life. I keep that open-mindedness with me, that was part of my career, and see where life takes us."

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