MAURICIO POCHETTINO has angered fans of old club Tottenham with bold claims in his first interview as Chelsea chief.
Spurs supporters accused Pochettino of “disrespect” after rating fierce rivals Chelsea as England’s “greatest team” of the past 15 years.
GettyNew Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino made a controversial assessment of the last 15 years, having bossed Spurs from 2014-2019[/caption]
GettyPochettino is looking to rebuild his bulging squad of under-achievers[/caption]
The Argentinian, 51, took Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final.
But chairman Daniel Levy shocked fans by sacking Poch just months later – admittedly after he’d won nothing during his five-year reign.
He departed as a firm fans’ favourite – and since then many have called for his return to Tottenham.
In the end, however, the former PSG manager went to Stamford Bridge and Spurs have now bought in Ange Postecoglou from Celtic.
But some Tottenham supporters are furious with his assessment of Chelsea during a period that included his stint at Spurs.
Poch told the Blues’ media team: “In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England”.
The ex-Southampton chief added: “It was easy to say yes to Chelsea. We’ll work hard, play in a way the fans can enjoy football.
“The history of Chelsea is to win and be at the top.”
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Yet the Blues finished a miserable 12th of 20 teams in the Premier League last term.
That’s after winning the Champions League twice, Prem four times and FA Cup on five occasions since 2006.
Manchester City are clearly the top dogs now, though.
Pep Guardiola’s men completed the Treble in June after a fourth top-flight crown in five years and first Champions League success.
But Poch’s wider view on Chelsea left Tottenham fans hitting back.
One said: “You say they’re one of the biggest teams in the world. You don’t use the word ‘greatest’ specifically referencing a time period where you passionately led their rivals.
“The rivalry was so fierce between us during his time too. It’s beyond disrespectful.”
‘INTERESTED EYE’
A similar comment was: “Wow he could easily said one of the best teams but chose not to.”
Poch’s words also sparked jibes like: “He will be sacked by January” and “Chelsea is finishing 10th next season”.
But some supporters believe Poch was only bigging up Chelsea like any new boss would praise their new club – and NOT having a dig at Tottenham.
One argued: “What is he supposed to say. He obviously has to inspire Chelsea fans and get them to believe in him. We already know how much respect he has for Tottenham and its fans. Nothing disrespectful at all.”
Another said: “If Poch succeeds at Chelsea it’s gonna look like an appalling decision by the Spurs board to fire and not re-hire him. Right now I’m fully behind Ange but will be keeping an interested eye on Poch.”
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