Ange Postecoglou anticipates warm Tottenham welcome for Mauricio Pochettino
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou anticipates there won’t “be anything but respect” for Mauricio Pochettino when he brings his Chelsea side to North London on Monday 6 November.
Spurs will host Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday 6 November in a match which will see Pochettino return in the opposite dugout for the first time since he left the club back in 2019.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match (via Football London, 2 November), Postecoglou has praised the work of the former Spurs boss and believes he will be shown “respect” upon his return to the club.
“He has had an undeniable impact on this football club in his time here. He almost took the club to the ultimate summit of the Champions League and got close to the league, so his work is unquestioned,” said Postecoglou.
“Everyone I speak to around here, there are still people who worked with him, they can’t speak highly enough of him as a person and as a manager. I doubt there will be anything but respect for Mauricio from anyone at this football club, supporters or people associated.”
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King told Tottenham News:
“It is football and supporters are supporters. Everyone wondered what Declan Rice’s reception at West Ham would be, they applauded him onto the pitch and booed him every time he touched the ball.
“I do think we have a different situation here with Pochettino. He had a great affiliation with the supporters, and everyone was always singing his praises.
“If they want to boo him, then that is their prerogative, if not, then they will show some respect to a manager who did reasonably well at Tottenham for me.
“I think it will be a mixed reception, I don’t think everyone will be singing his praises. However, I can’t see there being any mass hate toward him, why should there be?” I hope he gets a good reception.”
In other Tottenham news, Paul Robinson has made a prediction ahead of the January transfer window opening.