POCH TAKES RUFF WITH THE SMOOTH

Blues chief says he gets social media stick... but is hailed not hounded when out walking his dog

- ADRIAN KAJUMBA

MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes the bark of fans on social media is worse than the bite of the Chelsea supporters he meets in real life while out walking his dog.

Pochettino had some winning over to do when appointed Chelsea boss, with some fans struggling to look beyond his five-and-a-half year reign at tonight's opponents and the Blues' big enemies Tottenham.

But head coach Pochettino says he is getting hailed more than hounded when bumping into fans with his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Sansa.

He said: "When I walk every day with my dog in different places of London, I feel... I won't say 'love' but the appreciation from the fans.

"On social media, it can be, 'Hey, you must do this, do that', but here, it is the opposite. When I am on the street, people are really good.