Mauricio Pochettino says that an FA Cup triumph this season would not change Tottenham’s life, as he looked ahead to Saturday’s semi-final against Manchester United. The manager did not waver from his long established view about the importance of the domestic cups and, in the process, he set up an intriguing discussion point.
Facing him at Wembley is José Mourinho, a manager who is obsessed with every piece of silverware – all the way down to the Community Shield. To Mourinho, trophies provide the validation whereas for Pochettino, it is the work and the processes which do that. Does Mourinho’s approach make his players more focused, equipping them with an extra couple of percentage points, hardening their mentality to do whatever it takes to win? Or can Pochettino’s more relaxed vibe offer a platform for his players to express themselves?
“It would be fantastic to win the FA Cup,” Pochettino said.
“But is it going to change our life? I don’t believe so. Every one of the semi‑finalists will fight to win but it’s not about who needs the trophy more.”
Tottenham have lost their previous seven FA Cup semi-finals – the most recent being the one last season against Chelsea. That defeat hurt Pochettino but he remains consumed by the pursuit of glory in the Premier League or Champions League.
“If we are capable to win the Premier League and the Champions League, it is a moment you say the team has improved and reached the next level,” Pochettino said. “ To win the FA Cup or the League Cup – it will be fantastic for the fans but it is not going to move the club to a different level.
“That is my opinion. Some people respect it; some people don’t. I want to play to win the Premier League and Champions League. If we can win the FA Cup, then fantastic. But if you are going to change the vision or put the club in a different level, you must compete for and then win the Premier League and Champions League.
“People in England love to talk about perception and the changing of perceptions. We had a good Champions League group stage this season – beating Dortmund and Real Madrid – and we competed very well against Juventus [in the last 16]. The dimension of the club around the world changes completely [because of that].”
