Pochettino ‘In Awe’ Of Wenger, But Southampton Can’t Afford To Give Arsenal Too Much Respect

Mauricio Pochettino is a man on top of his game right now. Southampton sit third in the Premier League at present and have the chance to go top this weekend should results go their way, albeit with a massive goal swing, but the Argentine boss is keen to shift the light onto his opposition. Ahead of the Saints’ trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Saturday, Pochettino has praised Arsene Wenger, saying he is ‘in awe’ of the Frenchman, but come kick off he cannot afford to allow his team to pay too much respect.

Pochettino said: “I have great respect and admiration for Arsene Wenger for what he has done at Arsenal.

“He has great charm and a very good identity, a very positive way of being a football manager.

“All you have to do is look at his background and see how far he has come. I am completely in awe of Arsene Wenger.”

Should Southampton stand off the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, then the Gunners hold the ability to run riot against the Hampshire club. They will grant them the freedom, the space and the opportunities for the creative trio to carve Southampton apart.

Saints are a side who push up the pitch in numbers and make life difficult for the opposition but squeezing teams. This is exactly what they need to do to capitalise in north London and if they switch off then I fear the worst for Southampton.

The likes of Morgan Schneiderlin will have to be on top of their game to stifle the inventive outlets in the side and forget about the name on the back of the shirts.