It has taken longer than many people expected for Pochettino to return to the dugout following his dismissal by Paris Saint-Germain in July last year.

A romantic return to Tottenham is touted each time Antonio Conte endures a few tricky results, while moves to Everton and Leeds - neither of which made any sense for a manager of his profile - were also mentioned.

Perhaps, the Argentine's patience will pay off, though.

On paper there seems few better coaches out there to continue Guardiola's work - particularly with some sort of rebuild likely round the corner if City are relegated or lose some of their top stars.

Style wise, there are similarities between the two coaches' tactical ethos, particularly out of possession. Pochettino also showed significant pedigree in high-pressure games at PSG - even if the club's trademark European meltdown robbed him of a victory over Real Madrid in last season's Champions League last-16.

And although it would break Tottenham fans' hearts, their sweetheart has likely earned a chance at his ideal job away from the egos that plagued his time in Paris.