Mauricio Pochettino now holds the high ground at Southampton as he puts pressure on Katharina Liebherr The executive chairman left on Wednesday, leaving a huge hole at the heart of St Mary's. Pochettino reminded everyone of that. Liebherr needs to start working with her bright young manager quickly for the good of Southampton as a footballing force as well as an appealing prospect for potential buyers. Following Pochettino's comments, Liebherr can respond by either sanctioning more spending (unlikely) or resisting overtures in this transfer window for players Pochettino has helped develop, particularly youngsters such as Luke Shaw. Pochettino wants to keep a strong squad together, pushing on up the table from their ninth place. Do not underestimate the ambition of this charming man. Some people construed Pochettino as vacillating during a 40-minute performance in front of the media at St Mary's, first to the broadcasters, and then to the written press. All his comments seemed linked up, beginning with his deification of Cortese as the ideal boss to work for, an executive chairman with "the full package" of skill-sets. He has "great character"," Pochettino said of Cortese. He's driven. He's a great negotiator."" He painted Cortese as a saint in a suit, whose final words to him before leaving on Wednesday were all about the club's best interests: "Try to win on Saturday." Do not rule out the pair working together again in the future. Pochettino, 41, positioned himself as the guardian of the dressing room, fighting for the team and for those who follow the players so passionately. "It's not just a piece of paper,"" said Pochettino of his contract that expires in 17 months. It's about a great responsibility to players, to staff, to the people, to fans. The club is important. We need tranquillity."" Long-term? "I am 100 per cent decided to staying here until the end of the season."" And then? He could probably walk into Spurs in the summer if it does not work out with Tim Sherwood. Spanish clubs will covet the former Espanyol coach. His stock has risen; even if the team slip, it will simply be blamed on uncertainty at the club. His story highlights the importance of the working relationship between managers and executives. This is normally a British fixation, particularly for a media that often views the game through the prism of personalities. But Pochettino observed that "we are professional but we are also human," again pointing out that "I have a very good relationship with Nicola." Note the present tense. Such partnerships can be key at clubs, going back to Peter "PBR" Robinson with assorted managers at Liverpool to David Gill with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, David Dein with Arsène Wenger at Arsenal and Ipswich Town under the Cobbolds, among many other examples. Malky Mackay's working relationship with Vincent Tan foundered much to the detriment of Cardiff City. Intentionally or accidentally, Pochettino kept mentioning that Thursday's meeting with Liebherr lasted "five minutes" only; "It was a quick hello and goodbye and her transmitting her support"" was his précis of their conversation in which Liebherr did emphasise her "trust" in him. Pochettino and Cortese spoke frequently, forming a bond which helped Southampton thrive. But Liebherr? Has the new non-executive chairman addressed the players (as often happens at times of uncertainty)? "In the five minutes I spoke with her I don't know if she will speak with the players,"" Pochettino replied. Would she be at Saturday's match? "My personal opinion is that it is important that the new president is visible and for her to be at the Sunderland game but it is a personal decision for her,"" said Pochettino. "She is chairperson for a reason and she can do as she pleases."" Surely they have talked regularly before? It was the second time I've met her. The first was when Nicola invited us to an end-of-season party, all the squad, to eat in the Four Seasons. She came and she was with us."" Did she know much about football? Pause. "Surely these people have people around them who do understand football - like me,"" he replied. "I know a little bit."" Indeed. He has galvanised Southampton. He has delighted fans with the tempo and attacking style. He has kept the pathway well-lit from the academy to the first-team dressing room. Yet he has met Liebherr only twice - over canapés and over a calamity. She had not been picking his brains. Did he not find that odd? "It's not my decision when I speak with her,"" replied Pochettino. She decides when to speak with me. Liebherr needs to build that respect. Katharina Liebherr has every right to her privacy and clearly does not relish the heightened profile but she has a duty to the club her father cherished. Beyond a desire to divest herself of a publicity magnet, there can be little logic to Liebherr's desire to sell Southampton now (although her people deny that). If she works with Pochettino, building that vital partnership and persuading him to stay in June, Liebherr can maximise the value of the club before taking it to market. So much is right about Southampton Football Club. They undoubtedly suffered a grievous loss with Cortese's departure but St Mary's is a good stadium, the support is loyal, the academy is productive, relegation is not a threat, the training ground is excellent and additional broadcasting revenue is on its way. Liebherr must understand that Southampton will be worth far more than the mooted £100 million with a settled Pochettino. Time for a lucrative new contract?