The Soccer Spotlight: Pochettino’s tenure at Chelsea to be given patience, suggests Guillem Balague
Mauricio Pochettino is bracing for a stirring homecoming to his old stomping ground where he forged “incredible moments,” as he leads Chelsea in their upcoming encounter against Tottenham.
The ex-Spurs tactician, who was at the helm for half a decade before his 2019 dismissal, steered the team to their maiden Champions League final that same year.
His first visit back to Tottenham’s territory in four years with his current squad, Chelsea, is slated for Monday night (20:00 GMT).
Pochettino, aged 51, expressed on Friday with a touch of emotion, “I’m anticipating this with a smile. Although we’re professionals, we’re also human and we have our emotions.”
“This return is undoubtedly poignant for me. I won’t play it down—it’s heartfelt.”
“The departure was tough, but now I’m presented with a chance to reconnect with numerous familiar faces. It’s going to be quite the sentimental reunion.”
On Fond Spurs Memories and ‘Exes’: Pochettino Quips
When quizzed if his return to Spurs, currently topping the league charts and in prime contention for the title, could be likened to an encounter with an ‘ex,’ Pochettino quipped with a light-hearted analogy, “That’s tricky, given I’ve been with my spouse for 32 years! The memory of any past flings before her is a bit hazy, to say the least.”
After his stint at Tottenham, Pochettino took the reins at Paris St-Germain in 2021, where he celebrated his inaugural managerial silverware by clinching the Coupe de France in 2021 and the Ligue 1 title in 2022.
He made a comeback to Premier League action, taking charge of Chelsea in July, with the mission of reviving the six-time English champions after a lackluster season that saw them finish in 12th place.
The unforgettable ‘Battle of the Bridge’ in 2016 saw Pochettino’s Spurs relinquish their Premier League title aspirations to Chelsea, who clawed back from a 2-0 deficit to seal the title for Leicester City in a dramatic clash.
Spurs’ Postecoglou Reflects on Pochettino’s Chelsea Move
While Pochettino remains uncertain about the reception he’ll be met with at his former club now as the boss of Chelsea, he’s resolute that it won’t tarnish his deep-seated affection for Tottenham.
“I’ll hold off on any predictions until Monday. It’s all speculation at this point,” Pochettino said.
“We can’t erase our shared history, and I plan to honor that and the people, irrespective of their reactions. My sentiments for a club where we embarked on an epic journey will stay unchanged.”
He has openly pledged allegiance to his Tottenham roots, famously asserting that the only clubs off-limits for him to manage would be Arsenal, Spurs’ fierce rivals, and Barcelona, out of respect for his ties to Espanyol.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pochettino Tottenham Return
What is special about Mauricio Pochettino’s next game with Chelsea?
Pochettino’s upcoming game with Chelsea is significant as it marks his return to Tottenham Hotspur, a club where he previously managed and created “amazing memories,” including leading them to their first Champions League final.
How does Mauricio Pochettino feel about returning to Tottenham?
Pochettino expressed that returning to Tottenham would be “really special” and an emotional experience, as it allows him to revisit a place filled with remarkable memories and reconnect with many people still at the club.
Did Pochettino have a successful stint with Paris St-Germain?
Yes, during his tenure with Paris St-Germain, Pochettino won his first managerial trophies, securing the 2021 Coupe de France and the 2022 Ligue 1 title.
What has been dubbed the ‘Battle of the Bridge’?
The ‘Battle of the Bridge’ refers to the 2016 match between Chelsea and Tottenham where Chelsea’s comeback confirmed Leicester City as Premier League champions, ending Tottenham’s title challenge.
Are there any clubs Mauricio Pochettino has vowed never to manage?
Mauricio Pochettino has stated that he would never manage Arsenal or Barcelona, citing his loyalty to Tottenham and Espanyol, respectively.
More about Pochettino Tottenham Return
- Pochettino’s Emotional Spurs Return
- Pochettino at Chelsea: A New Chapter
- The Legacy of Mauricio Pochettino
- The ‘Battle of the Bridge’ Recap
- Mauricio Pochettino’s Career Highlights
- Premier League Insights
