Pochettino has vowed to win over Chelsea fans after he was booed and urged to "f*** off" by sections of the away end in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Brentford, and tonight's game marks the resumption of a union which feels increasingly fragile and fractured.
The Argentine has pleaded for time and said he would never consider walking away from the club, but winning round a fanbase which appears to have lost patience with both the head coach and the ownership is now key to the prospects of Pochettino's long-term project in west London.
"No, no, no. Why? Never," replied Pochettino, when asked if he could consider taking the fans' advice and stepping down.
He added: "The fans are not going to love any more another coach at Chelsea. I knew it was going to be tough [and] we need time and belief.
"If you compare with the past, when you are in a different project, people need to understand. I've tried to explain. I talk, I move my mouth, but you don't hear.
Denne historien er fra March 11, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra March 11, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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