Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged that he took a significant risk by accepting the position at the club.
However, he believes that the supporters are now ready to move past his association with Tottenham Hotspur.
In a remarkable turn of events, Cole Palmer’s stoppage-time hat-trick secured Chelsea’s victory over Manchester United, marking the latest-ever Premier League comeback.
The exhilarating win sparked scenes of jubilation at Stamford Bridge, with goals in the 100th and 101st minutes sealing the dramatic turnaround.
Pochettino celebrated passionately at the final whistle, considering it a pivotal moment in his efforts to win over parts of the Chelsea fanbase who were initially skeptical about his appointment.
Having spent five-and-a-half years in charge of Tottenham, he understood the reservations surrounding his arrival at Chelsea.
Acknowledging the gamble he took in accepting the job, Pochettino recognized the challenges ahead in reshaping Chelsea following their recent takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
“You need to convince [supporters]. I arrived to Chelsea in a different project to what it was in the last 20 years. I play with my reputation to come here also in a project that is to build a team with young talented players. Given the possibility, the potential, and the top players.
“We knew it was a massive challenge to build a team, to win games, to be competitive and to take the risk with the fans. I am not going to be populist.
“I said from the beginning, I want to build a genuine relationship, not to kiss the badge or to do stupid things on the touchline to win the benefit of the fans.
“What I want is to provide to the team the tools to win games and through the trust in the team of winning games, to believe in ourselves and trust to build a very good relationship. I am not here to be populist or a hypocrite and say ‘I love the fans’ because I know it is always about trying to build this relationship.
“Today for me, I am so happy, not only for the three points or maybe the performance was better than Manchester United. But for me it is the first time that I start to feel the connection between the team and the fans.
That is going to be a really helpful for us in the season. It is really important.”
Chelsea’s victory over Manchester United propelled them to 10th place on the table, trailing seventh-placed West Ham by two points with two games in hand.
While qualification for a European competition remains within reach, with an FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City presenting an alternative path, Pochettino is optimistic about Chelsea’s chances.
He believes that a flawless run-in, commencing with Sunday’s visit to bottom-placed Sheffield United, can secure their spot in European competition.
“Nine games to play still, If we win all the games, for sure we will be in Europe,” Pochettino said.
“For now, it is about Sheffield, the most important game.”