Mauricio Pochettino has said that he will accept whatever reception he gets on his return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but he pointed out that he did not choose to leave the North London club in 2019.

Most Spurs fans have very fond memories of Pochettino’s five-and-half years at the helm and the Argentine remained close to the supporters’ hearts until this summer.

Things have seemingly shifted since he took over at Chelsea and the 51-year-old could potentially face a hostile crowd when he returns to N17 as the Blues boss.

When asked about what reception he expects from Tottenham fans, Pochettino said (via The Guardian): “I am going to accept what they will show. I didn’t decide to leave. We parted ways because I was sacked. It’s not a criticism of the club … but we didn’t decide to leave. Maybe we would still be there.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Chelsea Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino during a Press Conference at Stamford Bridge on July 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Pochettino and Daniel Levy are still good friends

The Argentine coach insisted that despite the way things ended for him at Spurs back in 2019, he still has a good relationship with Levy

When asked about whether he remains in touch with the Tottenham chairman, he responded: “We are very respectful. He sent a text when I signed here, wishing the best to me and to everyone.

“We need to be natural. Nearly six years working together. How many things happened in six years? Good and not so good! We cannot forget our relationship now.”

Pochettino’s relationship with Levy was not always rosy during the Argentine’s time at Tottenham and he even publicly complained on a couple of occasions about the lack of backing in the transfer market (Sky Sports).

However, the Chelsea boss said that the 61-year-old deserves respect for the way he has transformed Spurs in his two decades in charge.

Pochettino said about Levy: “He is involved in football for 20 years and understands the situation. Daniel is really clever. It is amazing, the job he is doing for Tottenham. You see Tottenham 20 years ago and now, how it changed, how it moved on. You need to recognise his job.”

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There is no doubt that Pochettino would have a little resentment with Levy that he chose against re-appointing him this summer and being the sort of competitor he is, the Argentine will want to prove a point to his former employers