POCH STILL FEELS LOVE FOR SAINTS

MAURICIO POCHETTINO claims he wept when he left Southampton and still loves the club before he starts his touchline ban at St Mary’s today.

The Argentinian quit the Saints in 2014. And Spurs can further reduce his popularity by pushing Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side closer to the drop.

But the Tottenham boss, who will sit in the directors’ box as punishment for his confrontation with Mike Dean after losing at Burnley, said: “My wish is for Southampton to finish in a very good way. He [Hasenhuttl, above] is doing a very good job, Southampton have very good players, a very good squad. Of course there were a lot of people disappointed when I left the club and will not forgive me.

“But I still love them. A lot of people feel that love. I love Southampton. I spent one-and-a-half years there, I can tell you it was a great experience.

“It is difficult to explain and understand why I left the club. I cried a lot when I left – my family too.

“It was one of the most important periods in my life with my family, that they enjoyed the most.

“That is why it was so tough. People can criticise – why did you leave? – but sometimes you need change in your life.”

Hassenhutl praised the attitude of Saints starlet Yan Valery (left).

The Austrian said: “Yan is a good example of professionalism for young players. On his day off he is still here, working on his deficits, on his heading. It’s exactly what we want.”