Head coach Pochettino has expressed that he receives more admiration than criticism from fans when he is out and about with his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Sansa, in London. He feels appreciated and respected by the people he encounters, in contrast to the sometimes harsh feedback on social media. Pochettino also highlighted the difficulty of the project he is working on and the people’s understanding of football’s intricacies. Approaching his 400th game as a manager in England, Pochettino admitted that he does not feel a stronger connection with Chelsea compared to his allegiance to north Londoners at this point, emphasizing the significant contrast in his time with the two clubs.

Reflecting on the past, Pochettino humorously addressed his involvement in the infamous Battle of The Bridge eight years ago. He acknowledged the chaos of the game, where his team received a team record of nine out of 12 bookings. Additionally, he mentioned the eventful reverse fixture earlier in the season, where his team suffered a 4-1 loss amid disciplinary issues. Pochettino expressed his hope for positive outcomes in the upcoming match, emphasizing the significance of securing the three points.