Pochettino reveals moment that left him in tears

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he “cried a lot” when he left Southampton for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2014.

The Argentinian spent one-and-a-half seasons at Southampton after being lured to England from Espanyol in Spain.

After an impressive spell on the south coast, during which Pochettino developed a number of young English talents including Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw, he left St Mary’s for White Hart Lane.

Pochettino will be in the stands for this weekend’s trip to his former club after picking up a two-match touchline ban following an altercation with referee Mike Dean – something the Spurs boss was “in shock” about during his Premier League press conference.

But his absence from the dugout won’t prevent an emotional return to his former club.

“Of course a lot aren’t going to forgive me, but I still love them,” Pochettino said on Thursday (via the Daily Echo).

“I love Southampton. The time I spent there was a great experience; I enjoyed it a lot.

“I cried a lot when I left. My family, too. It was one of the most important periods of my life with my family, that I enjoyed the most, which is why it was so tough.

“You change in your life; you need to move. But I still love Southampton, of course I want to beat them on Saturday but I wish them the best.”

Tottenham are reportedly considering an appeal against Pochettino’s punishment, meaning he could return to the touchline against Liverpool later this month.

The Londoners will be without Kieran Trippier and potentially Harry Winks this weekend. Check out who we have selected at right-back and in central midfield in our predicted XI here.