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The Ben Jacobs Chelsea FC column!

Mauricio Pochettino was naturally grilled on his time at Tottenham ahead of tonight's game.

I know that some Chelsea fans were irked by a few of his comments, especially ones implying he would hypothetically return to Spurs one day, and that he hasn't yet forged the same relationship with Chelsea fans as Tottenham ones.

I don't actually think Pochettino said a great deal wrong. The majority of the outrage is on social media off the back of headlines or quotes taken out of context. Pochettino actually said he hopes he's at Chelsea until he dies, and that if out of work why not return to Spurs or Espanyol or manage Newell's Old Boys, where he started his playing career.

Pochettino didn't evade the questions, and that's led to some relatively candid responses, but in many ways that's refreshing. He was well liked at Spurs by both the hierarchy and fans, and part of that was because he was always affable and honest. His openness with the media is just a part of that.

I hope Pochettino gets a decent reception. And just because he complimented Spurs, and even said they could win the Premier League, doesn't somehow mean he isn't focused on winning tonight. It's crazy to think otherwise.

Chelsea need a big win and tonight is certainly the night to get one. They still haven't beaten a so-called big six side under this ownership and need to put that right.

Pochettino’s Chelsea future