Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will "accept" being booed by Tottenham fans on Monday night but wanted to make clear that "we parted ways because I was sacked".
The Argentina returns to Spurs tomorrow night to sit in the opposition dugout for the first time since being dismissed almost exactly four years ago. The atmosphere is expected to be very heated following Pochettino's decision to join fierce rivals Chelsea.
But it is the Chelsea fans who may take umbrage with Pochettino's latest comments, as the manager took time to make sure Spurs fans know he did not want to leave the club in 2019 and suggested he could even still be in charge there.
He said: "I didn't decide to leave (Spurs). We parted ways because I was sacked.
"But it's not a criticism to the club. That is a difference, we didn't decide to leave. Maybe (we could be) still there."
Pochettino was talking about Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, the man who hired him and then fired some after five and a half years but with whome he still enjoys a good relationship.
"Yes, we are very good, respectful," Pochettino said. "He sent me a text when I signed here wishing me the best and to everyone [in my staff]. Yes, of course, come on, it is natural after six years working together."
Levy himself spent much of last season facing criticism as Tottenham fans chanted Pochettino's name on the terraces, urging the club to re-appoint him.
Pochettino continued to talk up Levy's legacy at Tottenham, saying: "I think he is doing an amazing job for Tottenham when you see how the club has moved on in 20 years. You have to recognise his job."
