Mauricio Pochettino believes that Chelsea’s thrilling victory over Manchester United has helped mend his strained relationship with Blues fans. Despite the risk of moving to West London after managing bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur for five years, Pochettino expressed his satisfaction with the turnaround.
In a dramatic match at Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer’s late goals in the 10th and 11th minutes of added time secured a 4-3 win against United. The jubilant scenes in the stands were matched by the exuberant celebrations from Pochettino and his coaching staff on the sidelines.
While Pochettino is adamant about not being labeled as a ‘badge-kisser’ or a ‘populist’, his evident passion for the job at Chelsea was undeniable. After a celebratory dance with his players and coaching staff, Pochettino emphasized the significance of Chelsea’s late victory in fostering support for his project.
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“The fans play a crucial role in football,” Pochettino stated at a press conference. “I’m delighted not just for the three points or our performance surpassing Manchester United’s, but because it’s the first time I’ve felt a connection with the fans here at Stamford Bridge. This connection will be invaluable for us going forward.”
“I arrived from a different club, so it’s natural that I needed to win over the supporters,” Pochettino continued. “I took on the challenge of a different project, one focused on building a team with young, talented players capable of reaching the top. It’s a massive challenge, one that involves building a team, winning games, and being competitive, all while taking risks with the fans. However, I won’t resort to populism. From the start, I’ve aimed to cultivate a genuine relationship, not by superficial gestures but by providing the team with the tools to succeed and fostering belief within ourselves.”
Pochettino and his team now prepare for a showdown with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Chelsea emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in their previous encounter in December, with goals from Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.