Pochettino rang Tottenham stars to warn them not to risk their health as squad continues to train in coronavirus crisis

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has revealed that he was in contact with his former players at Tottenham to advise them during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sacked in November, the Argentine spent over five years in charge of the Premier League club and most recently took part in a World Health Organisation video to inform fans of best practice to prevent the virus spreading.

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Jose Mourinho's men are still in training during the outbreak of the virus and Pochettino suggested he might have taken a different decision if he was still the boss.

Speaking to Radio Del Plata, via , the 48-year-old emphasised the danger society faces with coronavirus.

He said: “I told them that there is no need to be at risk and that football takes second place to health.

“It seems good to me that measures have already been taken. It is the best way to try to control the virus until a cure is found.”

Burnley are understood to be the only other top-flight club still training together during the pandemic.

Arsenal's training ground was reopened on Thursday after coach Mikel Arteta's positive test for coronavirus prompted its closure - and the squad are reportedly due back early next week.

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Pochettino added his thoughts that the outbreak has been poorly managed by authorities, with sporting events cancelled en masse despite the likes of Formula 1 and the Premier League attempting to hold off on abandonments.

He added: “They handled themselves irresponsibly and made late decisions.

“I understand that the economic aspect comes into play in football and is a deciding factor much of the time, but seeing everything that is happening, I think that in Europe, they managed irresponsibly and made late decisions.”