• Premier League

Klinsmann offers backing to Tottenham's Pochettino

Former Tottenham striker Jurgen Klinsmann has pledged his support for under-fire manager Mauricio Pochettino, saying the Argentine needs time to build the team he wants.

Klinsmann, who played for Tottenham during two spells in the 1990s, is in London ahead of the United States' friendly against Colombia at Craven Cottage on Friday.

The World Cup winner was back at White Hart Lane on Saturday as Tottenham lost 2-1 to Stoke, but urged Spurs fans to show patience while Pochettino instils his long-term vision for the club.

Mauricio Pochettino was booed by the Tottenham supporters after the defeat by Stoke City © Getty Images

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"I wish Mauricio only the best. I think he's a tremendous, talented coach. He's shown that already," Klinsmann told The Guardian. "He's got a smart brain, we'll see over time how things work out.

"If you want to evaluate the work of a coach then you can only do that over a longer period of time. In order for Mauricio to put his stamp on Spurs he needs time, he also needs a couple of transfer windows over time to build the team he has in mind, to put the puzzle together that he envisions."

With Tottenham currently 12th in the Premier League table, Klinsmann understands the fans' frustration.

"The team means so much to them. No matter where you go you always find Spurs fans," Klinsmann said. "If a game doesn't go well then it's normal that the crowd has every right to be a bit pessimistic.

"I actually thought the crowd tried to give positive energy to give them a push [against Stoke]. The 2-1 came and I had the feel that the equaliser would be right there."

Klinsmann has been the United States coach since 2011 and led them into the knockout stage of the World Cup last summer. He also spoke about his own long-term plan for the US, but wouldn't rule out returning to Tottenham as manager.

"I don't know. Right now I see me hopefully doing a good job for us," Klinsmann said. "I never imagined when I was a player that I would become a coach. So you never know what happens tomorrow and in life.

"I keep that open-mindedness with me, that was part of my career, and see where life takes us."

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