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Mauricio Pochettino has opened up about the transformative period at Tottenham Hotspur where he helped Harry Kane overcome “bad habits” to reach the pinnacle of world football.
The current U.S. Men’s Soccer and former Spurs boss revealed that an honest conversation about professionalism was needed to propel the striker from a winger to an elite goalscorer.
From fourth choice to world class
When Pochettino arrived at White Hart Lane in 2014, Kane struggled to make an impact and sat behind several other strikers in the pecking order.
The Argentine manager identified that while the young forward had a certain mindset, his discipline and training routines prevented him from reaching his full potential.
By implementing a rigorous new training schedule and addressing lifestyle choices, the coaching staff helped ease Kane’s transition to becoming Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer.
Correction of the errors
Pochettino explained that Kane’s rise was not instantaneous and required a significant shift in the player’s day-to-day approach to his craft.
The manager highlighted the importance of the forward’s intelligence to accept difficult feedback and make the necessary changes to his diet and physical preparation.
Reflecting on the early days during a performance at Stick to football Podcast Pochettino said: “When Tim Sherwood left the club and we arrived, I think Harry Kane was the third or fourth striker. When we started working with Harry, we saw that his mindset was determined to succeed.
“It’s true that he didn’t have the best habits, but after we had a talk with him, he was very intelligent and was quick to change those habits (training, food, etc.). We feel proud, but it’s him and the people who are next to him that have made him successful.”
An enduring love for North London
As well as discussing Kane’s development, Pochettino expressed a deep emotional connection to the Premier League and his former club.
The coach is now preparing to lead the United States at the 2026 World Cup and suggested his philosophy remains perfectly aligned with the culture of English football.
Discussing his devotion to the Spurs project and the possibility of an eventual return to the division, he added: “One day, yes, because I really like England. I think my human profile and coaching profile match very well with the Premier League and with the culture, the idea, the idiosyncrasy and the philosophy.
“I really love Tottenham. It’s one of the most important parts of my life as a coach and also in my personal life. I can speak from my experience at Tottenham – and what I can tell you for me, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I think when we competed there, we competed with big people.”
WC focus and German dominance
Pochettino is currently focused on the enormous task of leading a host nation at this summer’s World Cup, a tournament that could define his international coaching legacy.
Meanwhile, his former protégé Kane continues to thrive in Germany, having recently secured back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Bayern while maintaining a staggering scoring rate.
While a Premier League return remains a future ambition for the manager, both men are currently preoccupied with pursuing major honors on the global and European stage.
