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Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about the transformative period at Tottenham Hotspur where he helped Harry Kane overcome his “bad habits” to reach the top of world football.
The current United States men’s soccer coach and former Spurs boss has revealed that a frank conversation about professionalism was needed to propel the striker from fringe player to elite goalscorer.
From fourth choice to world class
When Pochettino arrived at White Hart Lane in 2014, Kane struggled to make an impact and sat behind several other strikers in the pecking order.
The Argentine manager identified that although the young striker possessed a determined mindset, his off-field discipline and training routines prevented him from reaching his full potential.
By implementing a rigorous new training program and addressing lifestyle choices, the coaching team helped ease Kane’s transition to becoming Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer.
Correct defects
Pochettino explained that Kane’s rise was not immediate and required a significant change in the player’s day-to-day approach to his craft.
The coach stressed the importance of the attacker’s intelligence to accept difficult feedback and make the necessary changes to his diet and physical preparation.
Reflecting on those early days during an appearance on the Stick to football Podcast, Pochettino said: “When Tim Sherwood left the club and we came in, I think Harry Kane was the third or fourth striker. When we started working with Harry we saw that his mindset was determined to succeed.
“It’s true that he didn’t have the best habits, but after talking with him, he was very intelligent and quickly changed those habits (training, eating, etc.). We’re proud, but it’s him and the people around him who made his success.”
An enduring love for North London
Beyond Kane’s development, Pochettino expressed a deep emotional connection to the Premier League and his former club.
Now preparing to lead the United States at the 2026 World Cup, the coach suggested his philosophy remains perfectly aligned with English football culture.
On his affection for the Spurs project and the possibility of a possible return to the division, he added: “One day, yes, because I like England very much. I think that my human profile and my coaching profile correspond very well to the Premier League and the culture, the idea, the particularity and the philosophy.
“I really love Tottenham. It’s one of the most important parts of my coaching life and in my personal life too. I can talk about my experience at Tottenham – and what I can tell you, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I think when we were competing there, we were competing with big people.”
Focus on the World Cup and German domination
Pochettino is currently focused on the immense task of leading a host nation at this summer’s World Cup, a tournament that could define his international coaching legacy.
Meanwhile, his former protégé, Kane, continues to thrive in Germany, having recently won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Bayern while maintaining a staggering scoring rate.
Although a return for the manager to the Premier League remains a future ambition, both men are currently preoccupied with pursuing major honors on the world and European stage.
