LONDON -- Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has, not for the first time, been forced to defend his book, amid accusations that it has affected his players' focus and form.
Spurs have won just four of 10 matches since the first extracts of 'Brave New World: Inside Pochettino's Spurs,' written as the Argentine's diary by journalist Guillem Balague, appeared in print.
The book contains details of private conversations between Pochettino and his players and coaching staff, and it was suggested to the Spurs boss that his honesty could risk relationships at the club.
"It's a risk when you lie. If you tell the truth, why [is it a risk]? This is a very honest book that was involved with the club for a very good thing," said Pochettino, who said he will donate his royalties to charity.
"It's an amazing book because all of you can read what happens in a season for a professional club. It's a great opportunity to have a better idea that it is not only about playing football or coming here [to a news conference] to speak.
"The problem is when you lie, when you lie inside and want to be different. But for me I am here how I am inside. And all that appears in this book, the players know better than me. It's nothing to keep hidden.
"We won a lot of games when the book appeared. So I am more than happy if the book is the problem!"
Pochettino also described the book as "a very good commentary and honest [source of] information that is never going to cause problems," claiming the players are "so happy" with it.
The book paints Pochettino as emotional, spiritual and, occasionally, vain and he was asked to explain a specific line in which he worries that his "egotism...could be all-consuming," and concludes: "The idea of drifting over to the dark side worries me."
After being read the quote, Pochettino said: "We are in a position where the people praise you say, 'he is so good' with managers, coaches and players.
"Usually the temptation is to cross the limit and live in a life that is in the dark side. For me it is a dark side because you are wrong. Always, I am so careful, so conscious that I don't want to cross this line, I don't want to become crazy for the praise because we win or we achieve things.
"That is my worry. To be conscious and to stop before I cross the line because it is difficult to come back after. You behave differently to the way you are. I don't want to lose my identity from when I was a child.
"I was humble and I grew up with some values and I have no need to change and I am not going to change because I am manager of Tottenham in the Premier League or I am very famous. Or I have money enough to buy a car ... it cannot affect me. That is what I wanted to explain."