New Espanyol Coach Pochettino Assumes 'Risk And Responsibility'

New Espanyol coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has declared in his first press conference today that he has 'full confidence in the players' at his disposal.

Pochettino, who is a former player with Espanyol, also acknowledged that he is ready to take on all the pressures of the job, even though he has never coached before.

"There is always risk in life, and when one decides to take a coaching job it is assumed situations will arise," he told AS .

"I assume the risk and responsibility, and I want to transmit confidence and optimism so the fans sit down and are proud of our side.

"I have absolute confidence in the players, and it is an exciting and important challenge."

The new coach also brushed aside claims that he is not experienced enough for the job, saying, "I worked in a similar situation in 2004, and to say I am not qualified, would not be right."

There is no doubt about it though, Pochettino has a tough task on his hands after taking over from Mané, with the club five points from safety in La Liga.

Yet he sounds like he is just happy to be back with the Catalan club, and said it is a dream to return.

"It is the third time I have been with Espanyol. I know the situation well, the people, and all the ones who love this club and the colours. I said that as long as they need me, I would respond," he declared.

"Everything happened very fast, and this was a decision I had to make quickly. I think it is the best for everyone...I am going to put my desires and dreams at the service of the club for 24 hours a day."

Player Preference?

Naturally, with the arrival of a former player, there had been concerns that the new coach might favour some of his ex-team-mates, but Pochettino denied that would be the case, and said he needs to sit down and talk with the team.

"Professional and private relationships are completely different. I am going to require a lot, I was demanding as a player, and I will be now. Whether or not I know the player I will want the same things: commitment, solidarity, friendship...I will play who I think deserves it," he began.

"The first [thing] I have to do is talk with them, tell them what I think. I have various ideas, but there will be time to judge."

Worryingly for Pochettino, his first test is a tough one against Barcelona tomorrow evening, and he described it as 'key.'

"We will come out tomorrow with commitment, desire and confidence and also with the maximum respect...They are one of the best teams in the world," he declared.

President of Espanyol, Daniel Sánchez Llibre, also had a few words today, asking the coach to get them out of "the mess they have been put in," and saying, "if we did not trust in him, he would not be here... I know he will succeed."

Llibre also explained that the reason sports director Paco Herrera was not present was scouting duties - not because he is facing the sack.

Miguel Rossi will be assistant for Pochettino and Feliciano di Blasi will be the physical coach.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com