Mauricio Pochettino does not envisage the Chinese Super League's financial might becoming "a danger" for Tottenham.
The Premier League has established itself as the most financially lucrative division in Europe, with clubs in England's top tier able to offer players vast wages.
But Chinese teams have launched a significant recruitment drive in recent years aimed at taking household names from the European game to their shores.
Chelsea midfielder Oscar is set to become the latest high-profile player to move to China as the Blues confirmed this morning that they had reached an agreement with Shanghai SIPG for the Brazilian's services.
However, Pochettino is perplexed by the midfielder's decision and believes financial gain is not the only factor which can can influence a players' career path.
"I don't believe it's a danger for us. I can accept all the decisions, but it's sometimes difficult to understand this type of decision," he said of Oscar's switch to the Far East.
"Football for me is not only money, it's to be competitive and for me the Premier League is the most important league in the world.
"It's not only money, for me, it's a passion. I need to feel the competition," Pochettino insisted.
The Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most competitive divisions in the continent, with up to seven sides capable of challenging for the title.
Aerial photographs of Tottenham's new stadium
And Pochettino is adamant both he and his players value such an intense working atmosphere highly.
"When you're in the Premier League you're competing with the best and that means a lot more than money.
"My players like to play football and like to compete with the best in the world and the Premier League is a place to be competitive," he added.
Spurs travel to Southampton on December 28 with Erik Lamela expected to be the north Londoners' only absentee as he continues to struggle to shake off a hip problem.
