Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino talks about returning to the club after four years
Mauricio Pochettino is set to make his return to Tottenham, the club where he enjoyed considerable success, for the first time since his departure in November 2019. Now at the helm of Chelsea, Poch remains focused on securing three points to revitalise his side’s performance in the Premier League.
Pochettino’s approach to the upcoming match is pragmatic. He recognizes the significance of a victory for Chelsea, not just for the historical context of the game against the Lilywhites. For him, the primary goal is to secure the much-needed points in the current league standings.
Since Pochettino’s departure, Tottenham have witnessed four different full-time managers, each attempting to recapture the heights achieved during the Argentine’s tenure. However, they have yet to replicate the same level of success they enjoyed under Pochettino’s guidance. The early signs under current manager Ange Postecoglou are promising, and there’s optimism that he can lead Tottenham to end their Premier League trophy drought.
In conversation with football.london, here is what Poch had to say about the prospect of facing his beloved Lilywhites and whether or not he would celebrate a goal against Spurs:
“You are asking me if I am going to be special if we score or if we beat them. For me it will be important if we win because Chelsea need a win because we need the points not because of the game at Tottenham.”
“For me it is a little different as a player. When you are a player and you score you need to celebrate. For you and for your team not because you are telling some people look what you are missing.”
Celebrating goals?
Pochettino’s perspective as a player and coach differs when it comes to goal celebrations. As a player, scoring a goal prompts an instinctive and heartfelt celebration, driven by the joy of contributing to the team’s success. It’s not about showcasing what others may have missed but rather about the shared happiness of the moment.
“I am a coach and it is different. If you score a goal you need to celebrate. Even if you spend your whole life at another club. It is happiness to score goals, it is not disrespectful. People sometimes get confused. But I am not a person to celebrate goals.”
As Pochettino prepares for his return to Tottenham, the focus remains on securing a win for Chelsea. The Lilywhites, however, sit determined to make his return less memorable, aiming to outclass Chelsea in this pivotal matchup.
Despite the changes and transitions since Pochettino’s departure, Tottenham remain eager to rekindle their competitiveness under Ange Postecoglou‘s leadership and put an end to their Premier League title drought.
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The Lilywhites have to be determined to outperform their opponents and improve their standing in the Premier League. While Pochettino’s return is a significant moment, the focus remains on the current league standings.
