Saints vs Spurs - Mauricio's preview

Mauricio Pochettino is ready for an ‘emotional’ return to Southampton but says what happens on the pitch is all that matters.

Mauricio and his coaching staff are back at St Mary’s for the first time since joining us last summer.

He arrived at Southampton from Espanyol in January, 2013 and guided them to an eighth place finish last season - their highest ever in the Premier League.

Asked how he’d feel on arriving at St Mary’s for the 12.45pm kick-off on Saturday, Mauricio told us: “It’s difficult to know at the moment. It’s true I’m an emotional person and it’s an emotional game because we spent one-and-a-half-years at Southampton and it was a fantastic period.

“However, the most important thing is the match and what happens on the pitch.”

We travel to Hampshire one point and one place above Southampton in sixth in the Premier League.

“We expect a tough game against a team in a good moment,” he added. “Southampton have very good players and they are enjoying a brilliant season so far.

“It’s an important game for both teams. It’s not decisive but important because we’re only one point ahead.”