Pochettino: Jose Mour than welcome

03 May 2013 12:47

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino hopes to be pitting his wits against good friend Jose Mourinho next season.

The Portuguese is expected to leave his post as Real Madrid boss this summer, with a return to former club Chelsea looking increasingly likely. Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to return to England - and advised Pochettino to do likewise earlier this year.

"I would like him to return to the Premier League," Pochettino said.

"I know that he is well respected and well loved in this league. I know that he likes this league as well."

The former Espanyol boss rejected overtures from other clubs to take the St Mary's helm in January and hopes they will meet Mourinho in the Barclays Premier League next season.

"Facing the best managers is always a welcome challenge so I would welcome that," he added.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp also welcomed the prospect of Mourinho returning to English football.

"I think he is a fantastic manager and brightens up the Premier League," he said.

"Rafael Benitez has done a great job at Chelsea, I went there last night and saw them and he has done himself no harm with the job he has done there. But it is common knowledge that the Chelsea fans want to see Mourinho back and I think the players probably would.

"He is a character and a great manager - you look at his record and it is fantastic."

Source: PA