‘Kya khake aya hain’- Fans react as Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea are best club in England over last few years

Newly appointed Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated that the Blues have been the ‘best’ in the last few years in English football. Despite the club’s recent troubles, Pochettino praised the Blues as English football’s finest team in the last 10 to 15 years in his first interview since taking over at Chelsea. The Blues have won 21 trophies since 2004, including five Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues. But they sacked two managers last season and finished 12th.

However, in terms of trophies, Manchester City have surpassed the Blues as the most successful team throughout that time span, following last season’s Treble-winning season. Last month, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City defeated Inter Milan to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning: Mauricio Pochettino

Asked about Chelsea’s history in an interview with the club’s in-house media, Pochettino said: “I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England. I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win.”

On taking the job, he added: “Of course, we are excited. We are excited to work with a very young team, with a different approach than in the past. But I think we all need to understand that we have to work really hard and create a very good atmosphere at the training ground to build success for the team in the next few years.”

Naturally, the Argentine’s remarks risk infuriating fans of his previous team Tottenham Hotspur. Pochettino was revered by Tottenham fans for his efforts throughout a five-year period, which saw him lead the club to regular top-four finishes and the Champions League final in 2019. However, many have been displeased by his decision to join Chelsea, and his remarks could worsen that attitude.

The 51-year-old Argentine won three titles during his tenure as manager of Paris St-Germain, including the Ligue 1 title in 2021-22. He didn’t win anything during his previous six-year stint in England, although he did help Spurs reach the 2019 Champions League final.

Here’s how fans reacted

Just in case he'd not already burnt his bridges at Spurs…

— Football Social Daily (@FSDPod) July 3, 2023

Normally you self know say Pochettino dey cap😂

— Ifefineboy. (@Ifefineboy) July 3, 2023

True, more coming 😉 https://t.co/Zl2BGUtDSD

— Chelsea Pal 🦁 (@cfcPal) July 3, 2023

For a comparison with Spanish teams winning international titles in the last 15 years:

14 – Real Madrid (UCLx5, USCx4, FCWCx5)
9 – Barcelona (UCLx3, USCx3, FCWCx3)
6 – Atlético Madrid (UELx3, USCx3)
5 – Sevilla (UELx5)
1 – Villarreal (UEL)

— ︎ ︎ (@HancokUndead) July 3, 2023

Number of Premier League titles since 2008:

Manchester City- 7
Manchester United- 4
Chelsea- 3
Liverpool- 1
Leicester City- 1

— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) July 3, 2023

I mean he used to manage us so it’s “Owned”

— Andrew (@andrewliu_10) July 4, 2023

https://twitter.com/Obinho13/status/1675908185608056832?s=20

Chelseafc have been better than your team in these past years, and am not even joking,

— Egbon Austin (@austin_egbon) July 3, 2023