Tottenham sack Mauricio Pochettino four days before crucial clash with West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur have sensationally sacked manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the crucial clash with West Ham United on Saturday.

The futures of West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini and his Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Pochettino have been the subject of intense speculation of late.

Having not won for seven games in all competitions, West Ham boss Pellegrini is a man under threat.

Meanwhile over at Tottenham, the brilliant side built by Pochettino has been slowly crumbling.

And the pressure finally told on Tuesday night as Pochettino was SACKED (Sky Sports).

Photo by IAN KINGTON AFP via Getty Images

London rivals go different ways over managers

Tottenham’s official website had crashed at the time of writing as the news filters in across the likes of Sky Sports and BBC Sport.

West Ham’s nosedive from third in the league to 16th has alarmed fans and the club’s owners alike.

Like West Ham, Tottenham have only won three games so far this season. And they too last tasted victory in the Premier League nearly two months ago when they beat Southampton.

That has seen the spotlight intensified on the Argentine’s position. It was already the source of much speculation given the reported interest in his services from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.

West Ham vs Tottenham is always a big game. There is no love lost between the two clubs and their supporters.

Photo by West Ham United FC Getty Images

West Ham vs Spurs clash takes on huge significance

But the clash after the international break was given extra meaning when The Telegraph made a huge ‘exclusive’ claim last week.

And the newspaper has been proved correct with its claim that Pochettino’s Tottenham future was on the line. Although it has come even earlier than anticipated.

The Telegraph’s report – headlined ‘Exclusive: Time running out for Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham reign’ – claimed the match was set to decide the Argentine’s Spurs future.

Photo by Chris Brunskill Fantasista Getty Images

Poch gone, over to you Pellegrini

The news is undoubtedly a major boost for West Ham.

And it adds plenty of spice to an already fiery encounter.

West Ham fans would have taken great relish in being the team responsible for ending the reign of Tottenham’s best manager for generations. But those potential bragging rights have been taken away.

A Spurs win could seal the same fate for Pellegrini.

This will be one not to miss.