Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he admires Crystal Palace boss, Roy Hodgson, and would like to enjoy the type of longevity the English coach has had in his career.

Hodgson has managed a host of clubs and men’s national teams, although his current side are in danger of relegation unless they start winning games again, after getting just two victories in their last 14.

“Nothing to say about Roy,” Poch said, when previewing Monday night’s match between Chelsea and Palace at Selhurst Park.

“Roy is my friend. I admire him — he’s an unbelievable coach. I think he’s working really well. There is always pressure in football when you lose one or two games, but no doubt he is going to be successful with Palace.

“He has the experience to manage everything in this situation. It is going to be good to see him Monday. For sure, we are going to share a very nice time together.

“From the beginning when I arrived at Southampton, he was the coach of the national team and was always at Southampton watching games and sharing time with us. We made a very good relationship.

“From the first moment, the feeling was very good between us. We understand football very well, the experience is there.”

Asked if he can match 76 year-old Hodgson’s longevity, Pochettino, who is 51, said: “I will only be thinking about being alive! If I am and I have the energy, I don’t know — maybe.”