Chelsea: Pochettino breaks silence on shocking outburst after Man City draw

The Chelsea manager didn’t shake hands with Pep Guardiola as he rushed toward the referee after the final whistle.

Mauricio Pochettino’s fiery outburst after the thrilling 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Manchester City on Sunday has been met with understanding from City’s manager, Pep Guardiola.

The match at Stamford Bridge delivered late drama, with City’s academy graduate, Cole Palmer, scoring an equalising penalty in stoppage time.

Pochettino appeared agitated that the game ended when it did, considering Chelsea’s possession and the potential for a final attack.

As the final whistle blew, Pochettino vented his frustration at the officials. While he embraced and shook hands with both sets of players, he inadvertently missed greeting Guardiola.

Guardiola, however, holds no ill will towards his counterpart, stating in his post-match press conference, “It’s not a problem. It’s fine. The emotions happen to me sometimes. Completely fine. I don’t want to make a thing about it.”

Pochettino also expressed regret for his conduct at the full-time whistle, offering apologies to Guardiola and the officials.

“I need to apologise to Anthony [Taylor] and the officials because in this moment I feel Raheem [Sterling] can go through and in this moment I say “What the…?” the Chelsea manager said.

“I deserve to be booked, I apologise but this type of behaviour is no good. I want to apologise to him also [Pep], I was focused on the action.”

Chelsea hope to build on their impressive performance against City after the international break. Pochettino’s men will face Newcastle in their next Premier League game on November 25.