Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham deserve 2016-17 Premier League title
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino argues his side should be awarded the 2016-17 Premier League title due to Chelsea's historical rule breaches.
Mauricio Pochettino's Claim for the 2016-17 Premier League Title
Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that Chelsea should be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title due to historical breaches of competition rules. Pochettino's Tottenham team finished runners-up in the 2016-17 season, seven points behind Chelsea. The Argentine coach believes that his team deserves the title, citing the fact that Chelsea were punished for their rule breaches. As Pochettino stated, "The title should be for the team that was second... It's true that we didn't compete with the same rules."Chelsea's Rule Breaches and Punishment
Chelsea were fined £10.75m and had a six-point deduction "set aside" on appeal after admitting to making £47m in secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties between 2011 and 2018. The club's owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, self-reported 74 breaches of Football Association rules when they purchased the club in 2022. Pochettino argues that this punishment is not sufficient, given the severity of the breaches, saying "[Chelsea] were punished, they admitted, so that's it?"| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fine | £10.75m |
| Six-point deduction | "Set aside" on appeal |
| Secret payments | £47m |
| Time period | 2011-2018 |
Pochettino's Desire to Return to the Premier League
Pochettino has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League in the future, with his current contract as USA coach set to expire in 2030. The Argentine coach has been linked with several clubs, including Tottenham, where he spent five years as manager from 2014 to 2019. Pochettino has stated that he hopes to one day return to Spurs, but acknowledges that the timing was not right when he was approached by the club last season. As Pochettino said, "Maybe one day the stars will align, and it can happen."Current State of Chelsea and Tottenham
Chelsea have had a decent start to the 2026-27 season under new boss Xabi Alonso, winning their opening two Premier League games before losing 2-1 at holders Arsenal. Tottenham, on the other hand, have changed their approach and are spending big on players who already know the Premier League. Pochettino has wished his former club all the best, but acknowledges that it is difficult to predict whether their new strategy will work. Pochettino noted, "You never know... We need time to see if that works or not."Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis for Pochettino's claim that Chelsea should be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title?
Pochettino's claim is based on the fact that Chelsea were punished for historical breaches of competition rules, including making £47m in secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties.
What is Pochettino's current role and how long is his contract?
Pochettino is currently the coach of the USA national team, with a contract set to expire in 2030.
Has Pochettino been linked with a return to Tottenham?
Yes, Pochettino has been linked with a return to Tottenham, where he spent five years as manager from 2014 to 2019. However, he acknowledges that the timing was not right when he was approached by the club last season.
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