Mauricio Pochettino has responded to Danny Rose's request that Tottenham do not sign players "you have to Google" by referencing his own rise from anonymity to managerial stardom.
Rose apologised for criticising Spurs' pay structure and transfer strategy in a statement released shortly before Tottenham's press conference to preview Sunday's Premier League match against Newcastle.
The 27-year-old told The Sun on the eve of the new season that "I know my worth and I will make sure I get what I am worth" and implored the board to sign "world-class players" and "not players you have to google and say, 'who's that?"'.
Pochettino made light of Rose's plea that Spurs recruit household names by reminding him that he was a relative unknown when he took over at Southampton in 2013 and illustrates his point further though the rise of Eric Dier, Dele Alli and N'Golo Kante.
"If you remember four years ago, the people say who is Mauricio Pochettino? I'm sure they used Google or Chrome!" former Argentina international Pochettino said.
"But you know the problem...straight away it went to the penalty I gave away against Michael Owen. That situation killed me! But look now.
"And when you sign a player like Eric Dyer, who is an international today when no one knew him before. Or Dele Alli or Kante."
It is understood that Chelsea target Rose has been fined two weeks' wages - a sum in the region of £135,000 - for his comments and Pochettino insists the defender's apology has brought the matter to a close.
"Danny apologised to the club, chairman, manager, team-mates and fans. This was important and good," Pochettino said.
"Sometimes as a player you are frustrated for different reasons. But the players are calm and the club is calm. I forgive him.
"It was his opinion and then he understood that maybe he needed to apologise to us and that is very good for him and the club. For me it's not a big issue. Now we move on."
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Pochettino revealed that he plans to speak to Rose on Saturday, claiming "it will not be a problem", and is certain he will remain at White Hart Lane.
"Last summer he signed a five-year contract. This matter is not a problem for myself," Pochettino said.
"He's our player and he needs to be focused on being fit as soon as possible to be available.
"Since January he's been working hard to fix his problem and our medical staff are working hard with him.
"Of course (he has a future at Tottenham). Nothing has changed over my perception of him. He apologised and everyone needs to move on. For me this situation is in the past."
Tottenham have yet to recruit any players this summer but Pochettino reassured fans there will be new arrivals.
"Over the last five years Tottenham have always signed players and spent money at the end of the window," he said.
"I don't understand why now it's a big issue when before it wasn't. We are so calm. The team is ready to compete.
"I'm sure we'll add some players who will strengthen the squad, like every season. With the players we have we can compete in a very good way."