The 46-year-old hailed his opposite number after Saturday’s match and gave his verdict on Joe Ralls’ red card

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of respect for Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock and praised his passion after last weekend’s match at Wembley Stadium in the Premier League.

The pair saw Eric Dier’s early goal under the arch separate the sides as Spurs triumphed 1-0 in wet conditions.

A controversial moment occurred close to the hour mark when Joe Ralls hacked down Lucas Moura with a high, reckless challenge.

Warnock felt Harry Kane, who immediately barged into the City midfielder, influenced the decision of referee Mike Dean.

But Pochettino said: “When I was in the moment I said ‘sending off,’ ‘red card’ and the same as the referee.

“They complain, but of course. If we were in the opposite then sure we complain the same as them. I understand if they complain about this situation.”

On Warnock, the Argentinian added: “For me he’s a person I respect a lot and as a manager too and it’s so nice to meet him on the pitch.”

It has not always been so friendly between the pair with the Cardiff City boss criticising Pochettino prior to him taking over at Spurs.

When the former Southampton manager was still in charge of the Saints and Tottenham were looking at trying to appoint him, Warnock told talkSPORT: “I don’t think Pochettino’s got enough about him.

“It’s too big a club for him to warrant getting that job. It’s a massive gamble if (Daniel) Levy does it, but he might be the only one available.”

Spurs clearly didn’t pay too much attention to Warnock as they appointed Pochettino two weeks later and it has proved an inspired decision.

Despite past comments, everything is harmonious between the duo now as the Tottenham boss was quick to point out after Saturday’s victory.

“He’s so expressive. He shows a lot of passion. I don’t know him in his life, but sure I know in football after six years here,” Pochettino said of Warnock.

“I think it’s good. He killed me four years ago and then he said ‘he’s a very good coach’ and ‘he’s very nice’ so it’s important.”