Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images
Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino’s pleas for Chelsea to be stripped of the 2016/17 Premier League title are full of desperation, with more than a hint of hypocrisy thrown in too.
Pochettino is arguing that his Tottenham side from a decade ago should be retrospectively named the champions after Chelsea were fined for historical breaches of competition rules.
Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea should be stripped of 2016/17 PL title
This is in relation to signings such as Eden Hazard, David Luiz and Nemanja Matic, who all played key roles in that title-winning campaign.
Many believe the Blues got off lightly with the punishment they were handed, however Pochettino has quickly changed his tune on how good the club were at this time.
When the Argentine was hired in 2023, he told the Chelsea website that he was of the belief that the job was so exciting because of how superior the club had been in the preceding years.
He said: “I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England. I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win.”
The rapid change of opinion gives off the impression of sour grapes, especially after his stint at Stamford Bridge came to an end within just 12 months.
USA v Belgium: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
2026 World Cup proves Pochettino is a hypocrite
Chelsea fans don’t look back particularly fondly on recent previous managers, however Pochettino sits at the bottom of this list due to his connections with arch-rivals, Spurs.
What’s more, Pochettino has experience of controversial outcomes actually helping his side too, after taking charge of the United States at the 2026 World Cup.
Folarin Balogun had been sent off in the Round of 32 tie against Bosnia, however FIFA intervention allowed the suspension to be overturned.
It was the first time a decision of this magnitude had happened at the World Cup, and many believed it set a dangerous precedent for the direction the game was going in.
Not Pochettino though, who started the striker in their Round of 16 tie against Belgium, which brought their run in the competition to an end.
If Pochettino wants to moan about integrity, he should first take a look in the mirror and ask himself if he has stuck to these principles at all times, or only when the narrative suits him.