The Foxes are currently top of the Championship having enjoyed a resurgence under boss Maresca since being relegated from the Premier League last season.

The Italian is a disciple of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola having previously worked under him as assistant manager at the Etihad, with Maresca employing a similar playing style to Guardiola in his own Leicester side.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Pochettino showed his appreciation for Maresca’s work, acknowledging his background with Guardiola, with the Foxes a tough side to beat.

‘Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world,’ Pochettino began.

‘Of course, guys like Mikel Arteta or Vincent Kompany or Enzo Maresca, guys who have worked him, are going to have some characteristics that are similar in terms of the football that Guardiola plays.

‘We need to respect all the coaches and for sure Maresca has something different, Arteta has something different and Kompany. You can’t replicate the same things. Leicester play very good football and it’s good to play against a team like them.

‘They play in a way that we also respect. We admire the type of football that Leicester are playing, alongside Arteta and Kompany.’

Focusing on the FA Cup – the attraction and unpredictability of the world’s oldest cup competition – Pochettino believes it remains a hugely desirable trophy.

He continued: ‘The beauty of the cup is how the teams below you improve much in the games. It is always difficult in the cups, but I think Leicester are a massive team with very good players and an amazing coach.

‘They are doing fantastic and I think it’s going to be tough. I think maybe it will be the most difficult game because it’s the next one, but they have very good players and it’s going to be really tough.

‘I think this is the best country to show my passion – football. It is amazing to show my respect for the competition.’