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Mauricio Pochettino admits he could manage England - but not yet

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Tottenh
Image: Mauricio Pochettino is focused on maintaining Spurs' promising start to the season

Mauricio Pochettino admits he could manage England one day, but insists his priority is to ensure Tottenham do not lose any more ground on Premier League pace-setters Manchester City.

Pochettino, who dismissed reports linking him with his native Argentina in the summer, signed a new five-year contract at White Hart Lane before the season started.

Speaking ahead of the Super Sunday clash with Manchester City, Pochettino said all his attention was on maintaining his side's unbeaten start to the campaign. 

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Asked if he would be interested in the England job one day, Pochettino said: "Yes, why not? In the future, but now it's impossible. I have re-signed a new five-year contract here, I think it's not my moment - not only in England but in Argentina too."

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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed suggestions Sunday's game with Manchester City is a Premier League title decider

Spurs' two draws against Liverpool and Everton mean they are four points adrift of City, but a repeat of last season's 4-1 win at the Lane would be a timely reminder of their title credentials.

Manchester City are a different prospect to last year, though, with Pep Guardiola enjoying an immediate impact after succeeding Manuel Pellegrini in the summer, and Pochettino knows City are the benchmark for his side to aspire to.

Espanyol's Argentinian coach Mauricio Pochettino and Barcelona's coach Josep Guardiola look during a La Liga match in 2012
Image: Pochettino and Pep Guardiola last met as managers in 2012 in Spain

"He's one of the best managers in the world and he showed his quality at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now at Manchester City," said Pochettino. "It's always tough to arrive in the Premier League but it's exciting to play against him.

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"I think it's a very important game for us and for them but it's only a game. We are in the beginning of the season.

"It's true we play against Man City, who are unbeaten in the Premier League, and it's first against second - I think it will be a very tough game for both teams - but it's very early to talk about the title race.

Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur scores his team's fourth goal
Image: Erik Lamela scored Spurs' fourth in the 4-1 win over City last season

"I think it's important to reduce the gap, but if we win my speech will be the same as if we don't get the three points.

"We must be solid, to show we believe in the way we play, but it's too early to talk about aims at the end of the season. But I agree it's an important and exciting game."

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