Mauricio Pochettino has denied playing a part in Espanyol’s expected change in leadership at board level.
The club’s board were prompted after the team’s disastrous start to the season – and protests against them – to hold two meetings on Monday, where it is reported that they voted to dissolve and hold new presidential elections in November.
Pochettino was in one of these meetings, but has denied influencing the soon-to-be-ratified resignation of President Ramon Condal, nor having his own future discussed.
“Sometimes I am given too much power, even unlimited, in being at this club,” the Coach admitted to today’s reporters.
“But I have no influence to create a crisis and even less on the board of directors. We discussed the sporting situation, to work in a better environment, but never did I submit my resignation.”
On that point, Pochettino did reiterate last week’s message that he would willingly step aside if the board asked.
“Espanyol should not feel bound by my contract. I made it clear that if they wanted to [remove me] then I will not be a problem for the club in this troubled situation. I stand by my word and I mean what I say.
“I have to believe that I am trusted, whilst the signs are that there is no doubt. But when the ball does not go in, then this is normal.
“Sometimes you have to get ahead of the situation and for me to say that the contract doesn’t bind me is not a problem.
“It should be clear that the sporting crisis is what we are responsible for. I will never talk about issues beyond my scope.”
The club’s board have been heavily criticised for abandoning their previous focus on youth development during Pochettino’s time in charge.
“I cannot make a judgement on the grassroots because I am not there day to day. But, my involvement has been at the highest in these four years with all the people who have passed through the team, from the first to the last.”
