The 40-year-old feels Mourinho's achievements over the years prove he is the best coach in the world.

Pochettino, whose team face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday, said he respected Mourinho's philosophy.

"I really like Mourinho," Pochettino told Onda Cero. "He is a great coach and leader, and I must admit that I have a soft spot for him. Not because of how he acts, but because of everything that he's achieved. His success is not a coincidence.

"I appreciate his footballing philosophy. Madrid are a vertical team that's very direct, unlike Barcelona, who are much more elaborate.

"To me, Mourinho is the absolute best of the best. He has proven his worth and class over the past 10 years."

Mourinho guided Madrid to the Copa del Rey title in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu and went on to win La Liga last term and the Spanish Supercopa this year.