Mauricio Pochettino ‘crossed the line’ by joining Chelsea and is walking into ‘boo central’ on his Tottenham return as Blues boss, insists Jermaine Jenas

• Jermaine Jenas expects Mauricio Pochettino to enjoy a difficult return to Spurs
• Pochettino previously spent five years in charge at Tottenham before being fired
• CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off

Jermaine Jenas believes Mauricio Pochettino ‘crossed the line’ by deciding to become Chelsea manager after previously managing Tottenham.

The two London rivals will meet for a fierce derby clash at Spurs later tonight, marking Pochettino’s first match at his former employer with Chelsea.

Pochettino was named Graham Potter’s permanent successor at Stamford Bridge in the summer, a decision that Jenas believes was wrong for the Argentinian to do given his previous ties at Tottenham.

Jenas enjoyed plenty of movement during his playing career and featured for five different English clubs, making over 200 appearances for Tottenham during that time. 

However, the 40-year-old called on Pochettino to understand the ‘rivalry is real’ as he prepares to take on Ange Postcoglou’s high-flying Spurs side. 

Mauricio Pochettino returns to Tottenham on Monday evening for the first time since becoming Chelsea manager

Pochettino became Chelsea manager in the summer having previously spent time in charge at Tottenham

Jermaine Jenas believes Pochettino ‘crossed the line’ by taking up his role at Chelsea

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‘The interesting part of the whole thing is the return of Mauricio – is he going to get some love for what he did for that football club? Or is it just going to be boo central?’ Jenas told TNT Sports.

‘I think he just crossed the line, I think that’s the issue. From your point of view, for example, you said to me a minute ago, ‘He’s Chelsea now’.

‘He needs to make peace with the fact that that ship has sailed with what he’s done at Spurs and this rivalry is real. I think the boo boys are going to be out and he’s just going to have to swallow it unfortunately.’

Pochettino was sacked as Tottenham manager in 2019 following five-years in charge of the first-team and just five months after guiding the club to the Champions League final.

He eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain but lasted just 18 months before being ousted by the Ligue 1 mega-spenders and was a free agent while Chelsea were looking for their next dugout chief.

Ange Postecoglou was appointed as Tottenham manager in the summer and is thriving

Pochettino previously spent five years as Tottenham manager before being sacked

Pochettino was linked with a sensational return to Tottenham but was ultimately unveiled as Chelsea boss, while Spurs turned to Postecoglou.

Spurs can go two points clear at the top of the Premier League if they beat Chelsea and Jenas expects his previous side’s good form to continue against their cross-city challengers.

‘I honestly see Spurs continuing that. Under Ange, they’ve not flinched yet. This is probably the biggest test that he’s had, because of that rivalry and Poch and the story behind it all.

‘But I do think that at this particular time just because of the form that they’re in, I think that no matter what kind of energy that Chelsea bring to the table, I think away from home it’s just a bit too soon for them.’

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