
Football is a cruel industry; in more ways than one.
We laugh, we cheer, we cry, we sulk, we complain.
Emotions run high almost every week, but sometimes it is matters off the pitch that can have the most profound effect.
When Mauricio Pochettino was relieved of his Tottenham duties, along with all his staff, on Tuesday evening, it is fair to say few saw it coming. Well, at least not at that time and in the manner it did, anyway.
Arguably one of football’s ‘nice guys’, the always smiling, cheerful demeanour he exuded was one that brought warmth and joy to Spurs fans. Something that was made clear when the outpouring of disappointment at the announcement came about despite the club having a mostly miserable 2019 league campaign.
His replacement Jose Mourinho was brought in with remarkable efficiency (within 12 hours), as the footballing world turned their attentions towards what is next in store for the Premier League side, as opposed to what has been.
That’s until Pochettino’s right-hand man Jesus Perez decided to yank everyone’s hearts out of their chests, stamp on them repeatedly and then present them back to us with a tear in his eye.
He couldn’t do that? Could he? And especially not with accompanying images?
Oh yes, he could.
The assistant coach posted a photo of the Pochettino, still in full Spurs gear, essentially signing off from north London with a message that read: “
With the majority of his senior players on international break at the time of his axing, Pochettino unable to say farewell, was forced to write a heartbreaking goodbye message on a whiteboard at the club’s Training Centre. pic.twitter.com/7liJapiDr3
— Football’s Top 7 (@FootballsTop7) November 22, 2019
wish we could’ve said a proper goodbye. forever thankful
— nia (@thfcstyles) November 21, 2019
While Pochettino’s five-year spell with the Premier League side yielded no trophies, endless goodwill messages emphasised the fine work he had done to turn the club into a formidable top-flight force.
You made us believe and I will always be thankful for that Good luck to all of you and hopefully you will come back one day and finish your business
— Jasper | #ThankYouPoch (@JasperDupont1) November 21, 2019
Thank you to Mauricio, yourself and the whole wonderful staff for restoring our pride and passion in Spurs. Us fans will never, ever forget what you all did for our club. Best of luck with everything you do in the future. #COYS
— Charlie Parrish (@charlieparrish) November 21, 2019
You made us all proud of this footballing club. Good luck in the future
— Max (@MaxTHFC_) November 21, 2019
Every spurs fan knew you and your team were passionate. Whatever happened at the end, you guys changed this club. Whatever happens next, we will always remember that. Go well on the next one. #COYS
— Toby (@TobyLeston) November 22, 2019
The tears were flowing, the memes were popping off left, right and centre, and Twitter simply couldn’t keep its emotions in check.
While the 47-year-old and his staff’s sacking has divided opinion, certain people have questioned the board for their involvement.
Having gone 18 months without signing any players during his reign, Daniel Levy’s name cropped up under the list of reasons why his decision was an unjust one.
If only you were backed properly by the board.
— Tottenham Boxing (@TottenhamBoxing) November 21, 2019
You, Mauricio and the whole staff will be back at our club when Daniel Levy and Enic sell to American owners in the near future. You are part of the Spurs furniture.
— Marc (@marc_ba12) November 21, 2019
Such an injustice with Mauricio Pochettino. Poor guy was just not backed by Daniel Levy in the transfer market, and now £15 per year for “The Finished One”…
— Sandeep Desai (@sandeep_desai23) November 22, 2019
Some fans of the other north London team poked their heads up from behind their similarly dreadful season to have a say in matters.
Talk about desperation. Or perhaps, it is just because Unai Emery isn’t that good?
Pochettino to Arsenal.
Please.
The side suits him.
And it would show Levy.— Nimish Dubey (@nimishdubey) November 21, 2019
While the less cynical, black-hearted and cold of us gazed at Perez’ tweet with sadness and eyes slowly watering, there were, ermm, others who didn’t quite think the same.
Not at all, in fact.
Pochettino wrote something on a board to please some Amazon camera crew but apparently now apparently he’s the best human being in football after Son. People need to get a grip.
— wayne (@wayne_inc) November 22, 2019
I really like Pochettino, but the sceptic in me says the @amazon originals production team might have had a hand in orchestrating this moment. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m a suspicious fellow knowing that the documentary is going on right now! #Spurs https://t.co/YCLScmdnbe
— IPSWICH TOWN Bible (@ITFC_bible) November 21, 2019
Let’s leave it on a happier note, shall we?
Oh for crying out loud..
Let’