Redknapp backs Pochettino to be a hit (From Daily Echo)

Redknapp backs Pochettino to be a hit

12:57pm Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport

Harry Redknapp believes new Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino will be a success in English football.

Redknapp returns to St Mary’s tomorrow for the first time since leaving the club for Pompey in 2005.

His rock-bottom QPR side will face Pochettino’s Saints team in an important contest, with both managers coincidentally celebrating their birthday on Saturday.

Ahead of the match, Redknapp was full of praise for the Argentine coach, although he admitted he was sad to see previous boss Nigel Adkins go.

“I wish him a happy birthday as well,” said Redknapp of Pochettino. “He’s done well. I’ll be honest, I was a great fan of Nigel Adkins. I never met Nigel, but the job he did there I just thought was amazing.

“But they made a change, that’s football. It’s happened to me, it’s happened to other people, and the new guy he’s come in and it looks like he’s done a great job.

“That’s football, and I wish him well. It looks like he’s got them pressing and playing a high tempo game and I’m sure he’ll be a big success.

“It’s a big club, Southampton, so I’m sure he’ll do well there.”

Redknapp was asked if he thought the dismissal of Adkins was unfair.

He said: “It’s difficult for me to say. Listen, two promotions, what he did was fantastic there.

“But it’s up to the people who own the club. They can do what they want. I’ve said that before.

“When I left Tottenham it was up to the owners. They decided to make a change. It’s their decision, they can do what they want, it’s their club, it’s their money, and there’s nothing you can do about that.

“You’ve just got to get on with it. Nigel will come back stronger somewhere else again, and the new lad will, I’m sure, make a big success of it in his time in England.

“He’s been a top player, he looks like he’s a bright manager, so I’m sure he’ll do well at Southampton.

“I’m sure he’ll have a lot to offer the English game.”