Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has opened up about the emotional impact of hearing about the challenges faced by Dele Alli, as relays the LiverpoolEcho. The Everton midfielder recently released a candid interview with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, where he discussed his struggles and his decision to seek rehab in the USA over the summer.
In the heartfelt 40-minute chat, the 27-year-old revealed the hardships he had endured. The interview received an overwhelming response from both football fans and Everton supporters, with figures like Gary Lineker and Harry Kane expressing their support for Dele. Everton also issued a statement addressing the issues that came to light.
Dele is currently recovering from surgery, which caused him to miss the end of the season during his loan spell with Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas. The loan stint proved to be challenging for the England international. However, he has now returned to Everton as he prepares for the upcoming campaign.
It was under Mauricio Pochettino’s management that Dele made his Premier League debut for Tottenham. Now the manager of Chelsea, Pochettino revealed the profound impact the interview had on him during an appearance on The Overlap.
“Of course, it was really tough for me to see him. I didn’t finish the interview because it was so painful. He knows how we [Pochettino and his coaching staff] love him, how important he is for us as a person,” Pochettino shared in an interview with ESPN.
He continued, “Like a player, he was amazing but like a person, he has a big, big heart. And of course, we are in contact. After the USA tour, I hope to see him in London, to meet him and give him a big hug. Always, it is tough when you love a person but they show in an interview like this, it is really, really painful. But he is a strong, unbelievable guy, and for sure he will become stronger.”
Pochettino’s heartfelt words demonstrate the impact Dele had on him both as a player and as a person during their time together at Tottenham. The former manager is eager to offer his support and believes that Dele will emerge stronger from this challenging period in his life.