Applauding him, for me, is allowing him to live rent free in our heads. He should be treated like every other Chelsea manager next Monday. He’s leading one of our most hated rivals into battle against us. We’re on a great run with a possibility of challenging for the league. He should get no special treatment.
I love Poch, love what he did for us and will always be grateful for that. But next Monday, he’s the enemy. I’m not one for invoking the wisdom of Roy Keane much but he’s right when he said “everyone wants to be pals these days. You should be going to war against these people.”
Monday. Under lights. Chelsea. Top of the table. We should make that stadium as hostile as possible for everyone associated with Chelsea like we did for Woolwich a couple of years ago. They’re a young brittle team and it could make a difference.
I don’t really blame Poch for taking the job. That’s the game. So too is showing no love for your opponents.