Mauricio Pochettino appeared to cast doubt on Tottenham’s pursuit of Saido Berahino by revealing he judges players by their actions off the field as well as on it.
Tottenham had four bids turned down for the West Brom striker last summer but it is understood they are not quite as keen in this window, with doubts about the impact the controversial Berahino would make on dressing-room harmony.
West Brom boss Tony Pulis has admitted that Berahino, 22, has struggled to cope with the collapse of his move to Spurs last summer. And although Pochettino did not mention Berahino by name, he made it clear he will not tolerate wayward behaviour.
“It’s our responsibility to sign not just the right players, but the right people,” the Tottenham head coach told Standard Sport. “Talent is at the same level as character and personality.
“We want to find good players but also good people. People who share our philosophy, behave well, show respect to the club and their team-mates and supporters; respect the badge. This is very important for success.
“It’s my philosophy. This is the way we want to create a big team here and have success in the future.”
Since Pochettino joined Tottenham in the summer of 2014, he has instructed the club’s recruitment staff to discover as many details as possible about the personality of a potential target.
It is why Tottenham are unlikely to make impulse buys this month and Standard Sport understands such thorough checks have made on Moussa Dembele, the 19-year-old Fulham striker who Pochettino rates.
Pochettino added: “We have spent time to find the right people to give advice and information. It’s hard, it’s true, but we must do it. There are a lot of names on the market and it is easy simply to sign a player. But to get the right player, who has respect for the changing room, is our responsibility.”
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