Pochettino hails 'very special' Wenger ahead of north London derby

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino issued high praise for his opposite at the Arsenal bench ahead of Saturday's north London derby at the Emirates, calling Arsene Wenger "special" for his two-decade tenure at the club.

Wenger, who's been in charge at Arsenal for 21 years, has specialized in defeating Tottenham in this heated rivalry, finishing above Spurs in 20 straight seasons. Last year, though, Pochettino finally got the better of Wenger's side - with a second place finish to the Gunners' fifth - but the Argentine boss still has ample respect for the French tactician.

"He is a fantastic manager, I respect him a lot and admire him," Pochettino said of Wenger, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"Of course, if you see the history, Arsenal was above Tottenham in the last 20 years. He deserves a lot of credit for that.

"To stay at a club five years, is because you are a good manager. If you stay 10 years, you must be very good. But to stay more than 20 years, it is because you are special.

"I admire him a lot, he is a very special manager."