"Son Heung-min's former managers fighting over the same job?" Conte enlists heavyweight agent to poach Pochettino from Manchester United path

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Former Napoli manager Antonio Conte (57) has taken direct action to move to Manchester United.

French media outlet "Foot Mercato" reported exclusively on the 11th (Korean time), stating, "Manager Conte has joined hands with 'super agent' Pini Zahavi to secure the Manchester United managerial position." It added, "Manager Conte hired Zahavi, a heavyweight agent in European football, solely for negotiations regarding a move to Manchester United, rather than discussions with other clubs."

Currently, Manchester United failed to turn things around after drawing 4-4 against Aston Villa in their most recent match, ultimately plummeting to 18th place, which is in the relegation zone, facing a worst-case crisis. Throughout this season, the team has repeatedly performed poorly amid severe imbalance between attack and defense, struggling to find a breakthrough. Consequently, it is reported that Manchester United's management has decided to dismiss manager Carrick, with only the final approval from co-owner Jim Ratcliffe remaining.

Mauricio Pochettino, current head coach of the U.S. national team, is considered the most likely candidate for the next manager. According to the UK's "Telegraph," Pochettino's contract includes a buyout clause worth approximately 10 million dollars (approximately 13.3 billion won). Manchester United initially weighed several candidates, including Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager; Eddie Howe, former Newcastle manager; and Julian Nagelsmann, former German national team manager, but is currently leaning internally toward appointing Pochettino.

In this situation, Manager Conte, who left Napoli at the end of last season and has been living as a private citizen, has started to shake up the situation by putting Zahavi forward. Manager Conte previously led Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Napoli to championships.

Interestingly, both managers mentioned as top candidates were "former mentors" who coached national team captain Son Heung-min during their time at Tottenham. Manager Pochettino signed Son Heung-min and developed him into a world-class attacker, while under Manager Conte's system, Son Heung-min became the first Asian player to win the EPL Golden Boot.

However, it is known that Manchester United's management feels burdened by Manager Conte's strong personality and coaching style, so currently, Manager Pochettino is assessed as being one step ahead in the race for the next head coach position.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original