As he approaches a major career milestone, Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino reflects on his successful journey in English football, calling it a top decision

Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, recently described his move to England as “one of the best decisions in my life” as he gears up for his 400th game in English football. This landmark match, set for Thursday at Stamford Bridge, pits Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino’s former club.

Starting his English coaching career at Southampton, Pochettino then moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he made significant strides, including a Champions League final appearance. In 2022, he took over at Chelsea, marking the beginning of a new era under his leadership.

Reflecting on his journey, Pochettino shared, “It’s like a dream come true. To think that I could come here to England and become a coach seemed impossible once, but my wife and my friend Jesus [Perez] convinced me. And now, England feels like home.”

Despite Chelsea’s mixed results this season, including sitting ninth in the Premier League, Pochettino’s tenure has seen promising signs, especially evident in their 4-1 victory over Tottenham earlier in the season. This was Pochettino’s first match against his former club since his departure.

“It was special playing against Tottenham for the first time since leaving,” Pochettino remarked. “It’s always emotional to meet people we’ve worked with for so long. I can’t hide my feelings for the club; it’s going to be emotional.”

Chelsea fans have experienced both highs and lows this season, but many remain optimistic about Pochettino’s leadership, particularly as he continues to develop a promising young squad. The upcoming match not only represents a personal milestone for Pochettino but also a crucial moment in Chelsea’s bid for European qualification.