The Standard have revealed that Mauricio Pochettino could be without his assistant Jesus Perez for Chelsea’s trip to Tottenham on Monday.
Pochettino and his coaching staff could be set for a hostile reception on their return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, four years on from their sacking by Spurs.
Chelsea have struggled to pick up wins so far this season and Tottenham could pile on the misery for their former boss by moving 17 points clear of the Blues with a win on Monday.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Chelsea Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino poses for the photographer after holding a Press Conference at Stamford Bridge on July 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Jesus Perez may not make Tottenham return
It turns out that Pochettino might also have to be without his trusted lieutenant as Perez could be suspended for the clash.
Pochettino’s number two was sent off for entering Brentford’s technical area to confront one of Thomas Frank’s assistants in the 88th minute of Chelsea’s 2-0 loss on Saturday.
As a result, he has been charged with misconduct by the FA, with the offence being deemed an automatic red card according to the new Premier League rules.
Perez has until Thursday to respond to the charge, meaning that he will be in the dugout for the Carabao Cup clash against Blackburn Rovers this evening but could miss out on the trip to Spurs.
Spurs Web Opinion
I can understand why some fans feel betrayed by Pochettino’s decision to join Chelsea but I personally feel that it would be harsh to hold that against him, given that he was desperate to return to Spurs in the summer but the club showed no interest in a reunion.
I personally think that the Argentine deserves a positive reception but I have no doubt that he will be jeered loudly by the home support. If Chelsea get soundly beaten, the away dugout would be a lonely place for Pochettino, particularly without Jesus by his side.
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