Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has described relocating to England as “one of the best decisions in my life,” as he nears his 400th game as a manager in the country.
Thursday’s match at Stamford Bridge against Tottenham, Pochettino’s former club, will mark the Argentine’s 400th appearance in English football.
The 52-year-old previously managed Southampton and Spurs before beginning his tenure with Chelsea at the start of this season.
“Amazing. I think it is a dream come true. For me, to think and to come here to England and become a coach here, it was impossible thinking but after the decision of my wife and my friend here Jesus [Perez],” Pochettino said.
“They convinced me to join Southampton.
“That was one of the best decisions in my life to come here to England and enjoy this great football country. Of course, I feel really comfortable. It is like home.”
Mauricio Pochettino was at the helm of Tottenham for five years until his dismissal in 2019. During his tenure, he guided the team to the Champions League final in the 2018-19 season, the League Cup final in his first full season, and a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017.
Since new owners took over Chelsea in 2022 and invested about £1bn in transfers, Pochettino’s Chelsea currently finds itself ninth in the Premier League standings, trailing by five points from a potential spot for European qualification.
Despite some criticisms from fans, there have been encouraging signs from Pochettino’s young squad. Notably, Chelsea secured a 4-1 victory over Tottenham earlier this season, marking the first occasion Pochettino faced his former club.
“It was special when we played there because it was my first time after I left the club but now it is different,” he said.
“It is always emotional because we are going to meet people we worked with for a long period.
“Yes, I cannot hide my emotion for the club and I think it is going to be emotional.”