Mauricio Pochettino: 'I researched Southampton squad weeks ago'

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that it is not important when he was first approached to take control of the Saints side.

The former Espanyol boss surprisingly replaced Nigel Adkins as manager yesterday, despite Southampton only losing two out of their last 12 games, and Pochettino has revealed that he started "researching" his new squad in the New Year.

Pochettino told reporters: "I know all about the squad because I have been researching them for several weeks.

"It all happened really quickly. Small details are not important — it is important I am here. That feeling is normal."

Pochettino's first match in charge comes against Everton on Monday night.