No release clause in Tottenham coach Pochettino's contract

The new contract of English Premier League (EPL) side Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino does not contain a release clause, allowing him to leave for record European football champions Real Madrid.

According to a BBC report, Argentine Pochettino has been heavily linked with the Spanish giants since Zinedine Zidane stepped down. But the 46-year-old Argentine signed a five-year extension with Tottenham last week.

"I take it (rumours about joining Real Madrid) naturally, it does not affect me at all," Pochettino was quoted as saying by Madrid-based newspaper Marca.

"I renewed recently for five years. I am very happy with my current team, I enjoy the day to day (work). I am excited about my club's project and I'm fully focused on the present. But you never know what can happen (in future)," he added.

Zidane stepped down on Thursday after leading Real to a third consecutive Champions League title.

Pochettino joined Tottenham in May 2014, and led them to fifth, third, second and third spots in EPL in his four seasons in charge.

Pochettino was effusive in his praise for Real Madrid. "They've won four Champions Leagues in five years and three of them in a row," he explained. "They are a team of great players and one of the best in history."

--IANS

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