'Not here to be populist or hypocrite': Mauricio Pochettino keen to build genuine connect with Chelsea fans

Chelsea managerMauricio Pochettino has claimed that he is here to make a genuine connection with the club's ardent fans by leading his young side to successrather than trying to win them over with pitchside gestures (referring to his celebrations post the win over Manchester United). Chelsea have had lots going on in the ongoing Premier League season and Pochettino, who got appointed in May last year, means business by taking his side to glory and winning over fans.

The 52-year-old Argentine stated that it was only normal forChelseafans to be in two minds with regard to him given his affiliation with rivals Tottenham Hotspur (who became consistentduring his tenure). However, Pochettino feelsit was a matter of time for him to build trust with The Blues' supporters.

It is to be noted that Pochettino guided the Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and helpedthem become strong title-contenders going ahead, by finishing in the top 4 in the following four seasons before being sacked in 2019.

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After Chelsea's dramatic 4-3 win over rivals Manchester United, on Thursday (April 4), Pochettino told reporters, "You need to convince. You arrive atChelseain a project that is different to the last 20 years. I played with my reputation to come here also, in a project that is to build a team with young talented players with the possibility of the potential to become top players."

"For us, we knew that was a massive challenge. A challenge of building a team, winning games, being competitive and to take the risk with the fans. But I'm not going to be a populist. I said from the beginning that I want to build a genuine relationship — not to kiss the badge or to do stupid things on the touchline to win the benefit of the fans," he further opined.

In the game versus the Red Devils, Pochettino raced onto the pitch after the final whistle with the scoreline reading 4-3 in his side's favour. Chelsea still have their task cut-out as they are at the 10th place, with nine games to play, with their upcoming fixtureagainst bottom side Sheffield United, i.e. an away encounter, on Sunday (April 7).

Pochettino said, "What I want is to provide to the team the tools to win games, believe in ourselves and build a very good relationship. I am not here to be a populist or a hypocrite and say 'Oh I love the fans' because I know, always it is about time to build this relationship."

The manager wants more consistency from Chelseafollowing their thrilling win over United. "Three points in Sheffield. If we want to be close again, it's about winning... If we win all the games, for sure we will be in Europe. But it is about Sheffield now," Pochettino added.