Incoming Southampton chief Ralph Krueger accepts there's skepticism around his appointment.
Ice hockey coach Krueger will join Saints after the Winter Olympics, where he is working with the Canadian team.
"I know this will be a difficult situation, but that's what makes it exciting and challenging," Krueger told the Mail on Sunday. "It's about leadership and management. The sport I come from is irrelevant.
"I've had experience in major league sport and the principles are transferable. I will come in at the level of a well-informed fan and, as far as the team is concerned, I will stay in my place. No one has more information about what's happening with the team than the head coach. I know that. I've been a head coach. I've been confronted with political situations, people without all the information trying to influence decisions.
"Everything needs to happen naturally. There need be no rush on either side. Pochettino needs to focus on all the important games coming up and I need to make space for him to do his work. He's a very honest, strong personality with strong values. He should feel comfortable."
