Former Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on how he helped transform Harry Kane into one of the world’s most lethal forwards—by confronting the striker’s early “bad habits” during their time at Tottenham Hotspur.
When Pochettino arrived at Spurs in 2014 to replace Tim Sherwood, Kane was far from a guaranteed starter. In fact, the England international was reportedly fourth-choice in the pecking order and struggling to make a serious impression.
However, everything changed after the Argentine coach intervened. Pochettino introduced a stricter, more disciplined training routine and addressed areas of concern around Kane’s professionalism, including his preparation and lifestyle habits.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Pochettino admitted Kane had the desire to succeed but needed guidance to unlock his full potential. After a frank conversation, the striker quickly adapted—improving his approach to training, nutrition, and overall mentality.
The results were extraordinary.
Kane went on to become Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, netting 280 goals across all competitions. He also surpassed Wayne Rooney as England’s top scorer and has continued his prolific form at Bayern Munich, where he has delivered a remarkable 54 goals in 46 appearances this season, helping secure back-to-back Bundesliga titles.
Reflecting on Kane’s journey, Pochettino expressed pride—not just in his own role, but in the striker’s willingness to evolve and the support system around him.
Beyond Kane, Pochettino also spoke fondly about his time in North London and hinted at a potential return to English football. Now managing the United States national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup, he revealed a strong desire to work again in the Premier League.
He described Tottenham as one of the most important chapters of his career, both professionally and personally, even calling it one of the biggest clubs in the world. Pochettino added that during his tenure, Spurs consistently competed at the highest level against elite opposition.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear—his impact on Harry Kane’s career is a defining part of his legacy.
