Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino believes Manchester United counterpart Jose Mourinho finds himself in trouble with officials partly because of his "Special One" status.

"I try to be objective and his behaviour is no different from other managers'," said Pochettino. "But because he is the Special One sometimes referees, people, media focus on him.

"But if you compare with other managers who might behave worse than him, they are not in focus because they are not the Special One like him.

"It is very difficult to have that control sometimes to manage yourself. You get frustrated on the touchline. His behaviour is normal; sometimes you are frustrated for a decision and you show your disappointment."

Pochettino's team are six points clear of United but the Argentine said: "For me he will always be the Special One. He was a reference for me when I started at Espanyol. He was always very kind with me and opened his door.

"I always assess my colleagues and try to be objective I really believe he is one of the best. Sometimes you struggle a bit, and it is not easy to arrive at a new club and establish your ideas and philosophy.

"But for me he was, is and always will be one of the best managers in football history."