Approaching his 400th game as a manager in English football, Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea boss, reflects on his journey, describing his move to England as “one of the best decisions in my life.”
The upcoming match against his former club Tottenham at Stamford Bridge marks a significant milestone for the Argentine manager, who has previously had spells at Southampton and Spurs before joining Chelsea this season.
Expressing his sentiments ahead of the milestone, Pochettino acknowledges the pivotal role played by his wife and friend in convincing him to join Southampton, a decision he now considers life-changing.
Reflecting on his time in England, Pochettino expresses gratitude for the opportunity to coach in a country renowned for its passion for football, describing it as feeling “like home.”
Pochettino’s tenure at Tottenham saw notable achievements, including leading the team to the Champions League final in the 2018/19 season and securing a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017.
However, despite significant investment in transfers by Chelsea’s owners, Pochettino’s side currently sits ninth in the Premier League, five points adrift of a probable European qualification spot.
He narrowly missed out on his first trophy in England when Chelsea lost to Liverpool earlier this year in the Carabao Cup final. While facing criticism from some fans, there have been glimpses of promise from his young team, hinting at potential for improvement.
With five matches to end the season, the London side are hoping to record positive results and seal a place in European competition next season.
As Pochettino prepares for his 400th game in English football, he remains focused on steering Chelsea towards success and further establishing his legacy in the vibrant football landscape of England.