Mauricio Pochettino has labeled his new club Chelsea the ‘best’ in contemporary English football, a clear dig at his former club Tottenham.
Pochettino praised the Blues as English football’s best team in the last 10 to 15 years in his first interview since taking over at Chelsea despite the club’s recent troubles.
In an interview with the club’s in-house media, Pochettino was asked about Chelsea’s history and said: “I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England. I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win.”
On taking the job, he added: “Of course, we are excited. We are excited to work with a very young team, with a different approach than in the past. But I think we all need to understand that we have to work really hard and create a very good atmosphere at the training ground to build success for the team in the next few years.”
Naturally, the Argentine’s remarks risk infuriating fans of his previous team Tottenham Hotspur. Pochettino was beloved by Tottenham fans for his efforts throughout a five-year period, which saw him lead the club to regular top-four finishes and the Champions League final in 2019. However, many have been displeased by his decision to join Chelsea, and his remarks may exacerbate that feeling.
Pochettino’s first game as manager will be a friendly against Wrexham during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, where he will receive a firsthand look at his new players.
