Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says angry Southampton fans cared for him
Wednesday 28 December 2016 20:36, UK
Mauricio Pochettino says he takes criticism from Southampton fans who were angry at him for joining Tottenham as a compliment and believes it shows they cared.
The Argentine moved to White Hart Lane in 2014 after leading Saints to eighth, then the club's highest ever finish in the Premier League. They then finished seventh and sixth in consecutive seasons under Ronald Koeman but some fans still feel bitter towards Pochettino.
Southampton supporters wore orange in support of Koeman when Pochettino first returned to St Mary's in 2015 but the Spurs boss says he takes that as a compliment. He will go back to the south coast on Wednesday night when his team play Southampton, live on Sky Sports 1HD.
"For me it was difficult, it's true," Pochettino said. "The first day, I remember my first game back there, they prepared the orange day to try to upset me.
"But in the same way they showed their love for me because if they ignore me it's because they never cared for me.
"But if they want to show their love for another manager it was because it was hard for them."
Tottenham launched a surprise title challenge under Pochettino last term and ill-feeling grew when first Toby Alderweireld and then Victor Wanyama followed him to north London from Southampton.
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Wanyama has enjoyed an excellent start to his Tottenham career, while Alderweireld, who was on loan at Southampton but chose Spurs when leaving Atletico Madrid permanently, was arguably the team's most important player last season.
"Always you have to respect the supporters and they were not happy that first I moved here and then Toby and now Victor," Pochettino said.
"But I think we need to show full respect to the club and our former fans but it is normal when the people love you and you take a decision that is not for them, it's normal that they are a little bit upset about the decision. You can respect that.
"For different situations, we had to split our way. But always my feelings and my memories will be good in my mind."
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