Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a strong contender for the title in the 2023-24 Premier League season due to their impressive start.
Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham and then Paris Saint-Germain, is preparing to make a return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He spent five and a half years at the North London club but didn’t achieve significant accomplishments during his tenure, mostly experiencing near misses.
The current Blues’ boss is uncertain about the reception he will receive from the Tottenham fans but mentioned that he still holds fond memories of his time with the Lilywhites.
In a pre-match conference with Chelsea TV, the Argentine manager said:
“The most important is people know we cannot forget what we lived together. It won’t change my emotions, my feelings about a club where we spent an unbelievable journey.”
“They are doing a fantastic job. You feel they can be a contender. It is early in the season, but they are showing the quality to be a contender.”
Since Pochettino’s departure four years ago, Tottenham have experienced significant ups and downs, but they have embarked on a new chapter with Ange Postecoglou at the helm.
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Currently, Spurs lead the Premier League by two points, having maintained an undefeated record at the start of the season. They are determined to prevent Chelsea from having a successful return to their stadium.
Meanwhile, the Blues enters Monday’s match with a record of four wins in their last six matches across various competitions.
However, their confidence was shaken by a disappointing 2-0 loss to Brentford in their most recent Premier League game.
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While a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers secured their place in the League Cup quarter-finals, it may not be the ideal preparation for a London derby.
Nonetheless, Pochettino is optimistic that his team can step up and perform well against a strong Tottenham side.
