Former Tottenham midfielder and Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has opened up about a defining chapter of his career under Mauricio Pochettino, calling that era the finest football he ever played. In vivid recollections, Wanyama paints Pochettino as a masterful man-manager whose blend of encouragement and exacting standards brought out the best in his players.
A Coach Who Built Confidence
Wanyama remembers Pochettino’s steady hand and calming presence, always ready with a reassuring pat on the shoulder after a tough day. That warmth, he says, was balanced by the fiery intensity of long-time assistant Jesús Pérez, whose blunt, hands-on approach kept standards razor-sharp. “He would easily lose his temper and give everyone the hairdryer treatment, but Pochettino would always step in and tell us not to worry,” Wanyama recalled, describing a coaching duo that combined discipline with care and left players feeling valued even after defeat.
From JMJ Academy to Premier League Nights
Wanyama’s journey began at JMJ Youth Academy and AFC Leopards before a move to Europe that would change his life. In 2013 he joined Southampton from Celtic for a then-record fee for a Scottish exit, and over three seasons he became one of the Premier League’s most dependable defensive midfielders. His performances earned him a reunion with Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur in 2016, a move that would place him at the heart of one of England’s most exciting teams.
Near Misses and Big Moments
At Spurs, Wanyama played a pivotal role in the club’s ascent, including the dramatic run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. Yet he is candid about the fine margins that define elite football. “We had a good team, but sometimes we were losing games we really shouldn’t have lost,” he reflected, noting how dropped points and mounting pressure can derail even the most promising campaigns.
Injuries and Later Chapters
Injuries curtailed Wanyama’s time at Tottenham and limited his appearances thereafter. He went on to play for CF Montreal and later Dunfermline Athletic, and by mid-2025 he found himself without a club. Still, his memories of the Pochettino years remain a high watermark — a period of intense growth, tactical clarity, and collective belief.
A Lasting Philosophy
Wanyama credits Pochettino and his staff with instilling a footballing philosophy that starts from the back and flows through every line. He recalls former coach Patrick Aussems telling the team that football must be built from the goalkeeper upward, a lesson that stuck and reshaped how the side played. “All in all, we tried and gave everything, but it just didn’t work out the way we wanted,” Wanyama said, but his tone carries pride: pride in the style, the fight, and the lessons learned under a coach who helped him reach his peak.
