Ange Postecoglou and Mauricio Pochettino were spotted embracing ahead of their clash. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening as both managers hope to climb the Premier League table.
Chelsea will be keen to return to winning ways after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at the weekend. The west London outfit have won just two of their last five games in the English top flight, but they remain in contention for Europa League qualification.Pochettino’s side trail Manchester United in sixth and Newcastle in seventh by six and five points, respectively. However, Chelsea have a game in hand over the two clubs, who each have a few difficult fixtures of their own still to play
As for Postecoglou, he’s in a similar situation. Aston Villa have established a seven-point lead in fourth, but the Lilywhites, who are fifth, have two games in hand. While there’s certainly a lot on the line for Chelsea and Tottenham, the two managers spared a few minutes ahead of kick-off to greet one another.
In the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, both smiley-faced, Postecoglou and Pochettino shared a few words while holding each other in their arms. After a couple pats on the back, they eventually went their own ways.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash, the Blues boss explained what it’ll be like to face his former club. Pochettino said: “It was special when we played there because it was my first time after I left the club but now it is different.The former Spurs boss added: “It is always emotional because we are going to meet people we worked with for a long period. Yes, I cannot hide my emotion for the club and I think it is going to be emotional.
“Whenever you face your former team and the history is good, the bits you remember, of course. But as I said before, it is 90 minutes, we want to win and Tottenham are going to try and win, also. It will be a good game.”Then, on to make his 400th appearance as a manager in England, Pochettino said: “Amazing. I think it is a dream come true. For me, to think and to come here to England and become a coach here, it was impossible thinking but after the decision of my wife and my friend here Jesus [Perez].
“They convinced me to join Southampton. That was one of the best decisions in my life to come here to England and enjoy this great football country. Of course, I feel really comfortable. It is like home.”