Roberto Martinez has revealed that he has a "huge admiration" for Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Everton's trip to St Mary's this weekend.
The Argentine took over at the Saints last January, securing a goalless draw against Everton during his first match in charge of the side.
The Toffees manager told the club's website: "I have huge admiration, huge. Mauricio came in at a difficult time where Southampton had had a very successful period of two promotions with the previous management team, but he embraced the good work that Nigel [Adkins] did and transformed the team.
"It's a team that plays with a real bravery, they condense the spaces, they press very dynamic and they have got really good quality in the young players that have been given strong roles.
"It's been very impressive how they always get good performances against the top sides, especially at home. They always get good results against the top teams. I think that shows you that the team plays with incredible swagger, with incredible intelligence in the way that they are set up tactically and they make it very difficult."
Pochettino's side sit eighth in the table with three games still to play this season.
Sian Cowper
