Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has made a controversial claim that Chelsea should have their 2016-17 Premier League trophy taken away, with his Spurs side awarded the title instead.
During that campaign, Antonio Conte's Chelsea dominated English football with 93 points to claim the championship, while Pochettino's Tottenham finished as runners-up with 86 points. The seven-point gap between the two London rivals seemed decisive at the time, but the Argentine coach apparently feels differently about how that season should be remembered.
Pochettino, who now manages the United States men's national team, did not elaborate on the specific reasons why he believes Chelsea should be stripped of their title. That season saw the Blues produce an outstanding performance under Conte's 3-4-3 formation, finishing with a record of 30 wins, 3 draws, and 5 defeats, including an impressive 13-game winning streak.
Tottenham also had a strong season, with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Christian Eriksen leading an attacking team that played attractive football. However, they ultimately fell short in their pursuit of Chelsea, marking their second consecutive year of near-misses in the Premier League title race.
The comments have sparked debate among football fans and pundits. Chelsea supporters naturally reject the suggestion, pointing to their team's legitimate success on the pitch. Meanwhile, Tottenham fans have rallied behind their former manager, who remains a beloved figure at the club despite never winning silverware during his tenure.
Pochettino's time at Spurs is remembered for building one of the club's most competitive squads in recent history, even reaching the Champions League final in 2019. His latest remarks about the 2016-17 season add another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the two North London clubs.
