Mauricio Pochettino has once again clearly stated why he will never manage Barcelona. According to him, it's about personal principles, one's territorial-spiritual affiliation, and loyalty to the philosophy of football one understands. "The phrase 'I'd rather work on a farm in Argentina than coach Barcelona'? He's still good, isn't he?" - he recalled his previous statement and emphasized that this position has not changed.
Pochettino noted that he has dedicated himself entirely to "Espanol." According to him, many people come to test him, asking, "What if Barca calls you one day?" But he answers this question without hesitation: "I can say that I wouldn't have coached Barcelona." In his opinion, the main criterion in choosing a club is not to lose faith in either reputation or financial conditions.
"I always try to explain this and not offend anyone... They say "Barca" is more than just a club concept. What does this mean? "What ideas should be instilled in children?" Pochettino asked. He expressed his disagreement with some of Barcelona's views on this matter: "I think Barcelona is mistaken about this. Every football team has its own culture, and Barca is a great club, but I disagree with what they're trying to convince people of."
He said that it's not about respect, but about values. In his opinion, football is not just about results or trophies - it is, first of all, about team spirit, environment, manners, dreams and criteria given to children. That's why he sees his connection with "Espanol" as part of his personal history and has no intention of changing this connection.
"I think Espanyol is a much more independent and clean Catalan club than Barcelona," he added. Through this idea, Pochettino pointed to the specific essence and roots of clubs: some align with a larger executive system, greater pressure, and an environment of specific ideas, while others prioritize different orders and values. He considers himself from the second.
In conclusion, for Pochettino, the question of "where to work" is not just about compatibility or incompatibility, but about working in an environment that does not contradict his personal views. Although he mentioned Barcelona with great respect, he didn't hide his disapproval of their ideological direction. Therefore, he expressed his position openly and clearly: under any circumstances, he would not agree to lead Barcelona - he is close to the spirit of "Espanol," independence, and pure traditions that have absorbed him.
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