Pochettino hopes for Eriksen stay

Mauricio Pochettino hopes midfield talisman Christian Eriksen will commit to a long-term contract with Tottenham in the near future.

Pochettino outlined his views in his pre-match press conference before his teams clash with Manchester United on Sunday. The Argentine stated:

“We hope that he can be here for a long time.

“We hope that Christian can commit to the club with a long-term contract – but in football business it is about timings and negotiations.

“He is ready to wait. Maybe sign this week, maybe sign in six months.

“For me, it is not a point to discuss. He is very committed with us and he is playing so well. He is a great player and I am so happy with him.

Pochettino has often confirmed how importance he feels the Dane is to his Tottenham team as his team searches for the illusive trophy they crave.

Eriksen is often seen as the orchestrator at Spurs creating chances for the quartet of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Heung Min Son and Lucas Moura.

The Danish international has contributed to 100 goals in the Premier League (45 goals, 55 assists) and is often at the forefront of Pochettino’s pressing game, consistently running further than any of his teammates.

Eriksen is undoubtedly the standout from Tottenham’s 2013 spending spree when they spent the Gareth Bale money on nine signings. The midfield maestro cost Tottenham only £12 million from Dutch side Ajax, a team they have had plenty of success buying from in recent seasons.

When speaking further of Eriksen, Pochettino displayed how he sees the 26-year-old as a player and a person suggesting:

“He is a special person and you need to give him some freedom on the pitch.

“You cannot put him in a box to play, you need to give freedom and trust in him.

“It’s like my dog in the park – I say, ‘go, I trust in you!’. Christian, you need to trust in him.

“There is going to be a decision, and I hope he will commit to the club for the long term.”

Eriksen’s current deal runs out in 18 months and with some uncertainty surrounding Mauricio Pochettino’s future, chairman Daniel Levy will be eager to secure what will be a lucrative contract for the Dane and in turn ease Tottenham fans’ fears.

Tottenham fans will of course hope the resolution of contract negotiations sees Eriksen stay at the club, with Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly interested in their star man.