'Not here to be populist or hypocrite': Mauricio Pochettino keen to build genuine connect with Chelsea fans

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that he is here to make a genuine connection with the club's ardent fans by leading his young side to success rather than trying to win them over with pitchside gestures (referring to his celebrations post the win over Manchester United). Chelsea have had lots going on in the ongoing Premier League season and Pochettino, who got appointed in May last year, means business by taking his side to glory and winning over fans.

The 52-year-old Argentine stated that it was only normal for Chelsea fans to be in two minds with regard to him given his affiliation with rivals Tottenham Hotspur (who became consistent during his tenure). However, Pochettino feels it was a matter of time for him to build trust with The Blues' supporters.

It is to be noted that Pochettino guided the Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and helped them become strong title-contenders going ahead, by finishing in the top 4 in the following four seasons before being sacked in 2019.

After Chelsea's dramatic 4-3 win over rivals Manchester United, on Thursday (April 4), Pochettino told reporters, «You need to convince. You arrive at Chelsea in a project that is different to the last 20 years. I played with my reputation to come here also, in a project that is to build a team with young talented players with the possibility of the potential to become top players.»

«For us, we knew that was a massive challenge. A challenge of building a team, winning games, being competitive and to take the risk with the fans. But I'm not going to be a populist. I said from the beginning that I want to build a genuine relationship — not to kiss the badge or to do stupid things on the touchline to win the benefit of the fans,»