Tottenham vs Chelsea: Mauricio Pochettino convinced there will be no Mr Bean moment for him on return to north London

Mauricio Pochettino is convinced there will be no Mr Bean moment for him when he returns to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as boss of London rivals Chelsea; watch Spurs vs Chelsea on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports from 6.30pm; kick-off 8pm

By Gary Cotterill

Sunday 5 November 2023 16:22, UK

There's a world of difference between Mr Bean and a former Manchester United manager. There's also only a two letter difference.

The understandable confusion from a man whose first language isn't English was a highlight of Mauricio Pochettino's time with the media, looking ahead to his first return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since being sacked.

Poch is a fan of Mr Bean — he knows exactly who (Mr Bean actor) Rowan Atkinson is. But, he has no idea who Ron Atkinson is!

So, a good question provoked a good laugh and, eventually, a very good answer. A fact amidst the frivolity.

«Mauricio», he was asked. «Are you worried about doing a Ron Atkinson? Are you worried about sitting in the wrong dugout when you get there [Monday night]?»

The answer provoked the kind of laughs any comedian would be happy with.

«Ah, yes. Mr Bean. Ron Atkinson is the actor. The actor of Mr Bean,» says Pochettino.

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Here there was a pause in proceedings where a smiling Poch joined in the laughter. Even the Chelsea press officer saw the funny side, before gathering his thoughts and helping his manager out.

«He's a manager. A former manager — Aston Villa and Man Utd,» Pochettino was told.

«Ah OK,» he replied. «A different word. I was thinking of the actor.»

All great fun.

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