Kenyan international Victor Wanyama celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Tottenham against Crystal Palace. PHOTO/scioperosport.com
LONDON, United Kingdom, Oct 11 – Victor Wanyama admits the chance to play for Mauricio Pochettino again was a major factor in him signing for Tottenham during the off-season.
The pair first worked together at Southampton after Pochettino brought the Kenya international to England from Scottish giants Celtic in July 2013.
Pochettino subsequently left for White Hart Lane 12 months later following a fine debut season with the Saints, and he convinced Wanyama to make the same switch after three years on the south coast.
The 25-year-old midfield enforcer has the utmost respect for his manager, whom he says is like a father figure to the Spurs players.
“He played a big part in convincing me to join the club. I had a few options but he was able to convince me to come here because I had worked with him before and know he is a manager who will improve players,” Wanyama told 442 Media.
“Also, the club is in the Champions League, and has the chance to do well in the Premier League, too. He said to me that I should come and try to achieve some things with this club, and that they could win trophies.
“Pochettino is a really good person outside football as well as in football. He’s like a father figure [to the players], always speaking with everyone and giving them advice. All of the players look up to him as a father figure and also as a manager.”
Wanyama has started all seven games in the Premier League for Pochettino’s side this season and got off the mark for his new club with the winner against Crystal Palace on August 20.
