Mauricio Pochettino: I took a risk with Chelsea job and fans due to Tottenham past
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Mauricio Pochettino thinks that Chelsea’s amazing win against Manchester United has helped him repair his tough relationship with Chelsea fans. He admits it was risky to manage Chelsea after being in charge of Tottenham for five years, considering they are bitter rivals.
The game was a roller-coaster, with Cole Palmer scoring two crucial goals in the last 80 seconds, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory for Chelsea. Pochettino expressed his joy not just for the win or the team’s performance but also for feeling a connection with the Stamford Bridge crowd for the first time.
He stressed the importance of fans in football and believes their support will be crucial for Chelsea’s season ahead. Pochettino emphasized that his aim is not to be overly popular but to build a genuine relationship with supporters by focusing on the team’s performance rather than superficial gestures.
Reflecting on the risk he took by joining Chelsea, Pochettino acknowledged the challenge of convincing fans due to his Tottenham background. However, he’s committed to the project of nurturing young talent and building a competitive team.
Pochettino praised Palmer for his hat-trick and acknowledged that opponents will start targeting him due to his impressive form. He also urged his players to trust the referees and stay focused on winning games rather than seeking protection.
With Chelsea climbing up the table and eyeing Europa League qualification, Pochettino emphasized the importance of consistency and winning upcoming games, starting with their match against Sheffield United. He wants his team to maintain their energy and hunger to continue improving.
