Mauricio Pochettino hits out at 'disrespectful' Kyle Walker

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 22 October 2017

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino believes that Kyle Walker 'slapped the club in the face' when outlining his desire to leave during the tail end of last season.

Mauricio Pochettino has accused Kyle Walker of showing "an alarming lack of respect" to his teammates for the way he engineered his Tottenham Hotspur exit.

The 27-year-old secured a record-breaking move for a defender when joining Premier League title rivals Manchester City during the summer in a deal rising to £53m.

Pochettino believes that Walker went the wrong way about getting his big-money move, however, as he outlined his intention to leave North London after eight years at the club during the Lilywhites' title challenge last season.

In an extract from new book Brave New World, serialised by the Daily Mail, he said: "Walker came to my office after the Watford game [in April]. 'Gaffer, I've been at Tottenham for nine years. I've thought about it and my heart isn't here any more. Nor is my head. I've given all I have to give. I wanted to tell you before I tell my agent that I want to leave this summer. 'Kyle, you have to stay professional.

"'There's a month and a half to go. We're battling for the Premier League and FA Cup. We have to be focused and finish the campaign strongly.''Okay, gaffer. But it's already decided.''Well, that doesn't just depend on you or me. It depends on the club, above all. You've disappointed me because you've decided to tell me that you want to leave when there is a month and bit left in the competition.

"'You could've sucked it up, kept quiet, trained, played and helped the team when not picked, and at the end of the season you could have come and told me.' Miguel [D'Agostino, first-team coach] was present. I always try to ensure there are witnesses during private conversations.

"I considered it to be an alarming lack of respect for his teammates and a slap in the face for the club. None of that could be explained to the public at the time. I had to bite my tongue. From that point, the rumours started to proliferate."

Pochettino has also hit out at Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, who he believes deliberately attempted to unsettle versatile midfielder Eric Dier last season.