Mauricio Pochettino returns to the club that made him a star this weekend, admitting: “I’m a better manager now.”
Since arriving in England five years ago, the Tottenham boss has sent his stock through the roof by sprinkling stardust over underachieving players.
Pochettino has transformed Spurs from Europa League regulars into Champions League gatecrashers.
The club go to Juventus for the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 13. He has also led them into title challenges over the past two seasons and they now boast the Premier League’s double Golden Boot winner in Harry Kane.
Before his arrival in north London, Pochettino also worked his magic at Southampton, after inheriting a team low on confidence and struggling.
Impressively, 15 players who have made their England debut over the last five years, have worked with Pochettino at either Southampton or Spurs.
Unsurprisingly, his work has not gone unnoticed by the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
But with a new stadium being built at White Hart Lane and some exciting young talent in the academy, Pochettino believes the club are already getting the best of him.
“I think I am a better manager (than before). If not, it looks like, in five years, I have not improved!” he joked.
“But I’m not talking about results. I feel better, with more experience. I feel I can help players. I am conscious of that – always you need to improve, and you must improve every day.
“You cannot stop improving in life, but in football more, because it is so quick. The football moves.” He was quick to pay tribute to his assistant, Jesus Perez, and the staff that have been integral to his success.
He said: “We need to share with all the people that work with us. At Southampton, the people that created the attitude or worked in the academy – also at Tottenham. They deserve credit, too.”
Pochettino, 45, gave an insight into the decision-making process that has enabled him to create a pathway for so many young England players.
“At Espanyol, I told my sporting director and president that, rather than 25 professionals, I would rather have 20 or 21, and give four or five places to our younger academy players,” he said.
“With 25 senior players, it is difficult to provide youngsters with the space to play. If you save money, like we did at Espanyol by signing three or four players less, you can invest more in the rest of your squad and academy.
“You can also provide the possibility for the young players to train with the first team. Also, they have the possibility to play because of injuries or suspensions. That is the moment to provide the possibilities they deserve.
“When we arrived here at Spurs, three-and-a-half years ago, we had 33 professional players. How do you provide younger players with a possibility to play?
“Southampton was the same. That was my decision, too. And then, of course, the credit for (bringing through) Harry Kane, Harry Winks and every young player is about everyone.”
Such is the strength now in the Spurs squad, rising star Marcus Edwards has gone to Norwich on loan, while winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou (left) has joined Burnley temporarily.
Pochettino insists he has raised the bar for young talent, adding: “Now, it is not only about quality. It is not only about showing something good.
“You need to show quality, mental strength, physical condition and everything, if you want to play in the first team.
“It is moving on, getting better, and now the demands are higher than before.”