West Ham manager David Moyes has paid tribute to the quality of one Chelsea man ahead of this weekend’s London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea host West Ham on Sunday afternoon in a Premier League game, which pits eighth against ninth in the table.
The Blues go into Sunday’s game fresh off last night’s 2-0 home win over Tottenham, so they don’t have long to recover and prepare for the quick turnaround.
David Moyes hails Chelsea individual
When speaking in today’s pre-match press conference, Hammers boss David Moyes has offered some kind words on his opposite number at Chelsea.
He’s described Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino as a “great” manager working with a talented young squad at Stamford Bridge.
“I’m not an expert on Chelsea, but I think he’s (Pochettino) had a difficult job, and they’ve started to hit form,” Moyes said via West Ham’s official website.
“Mauricio is a great manager, and they have a lot of good, young players.
“We’re going to have to play well to get a result against them.
“…He’s a good coach, a good man and we know it’s going to be a tough game.”
Mauricio Pochettino future
Pochettino will be halfway into his two-year deal at Chelsea this summer, but will he still be in the dugout next season?
The Argentine boss could yet help the Blues get back into European football if the season ends well, but it’s been a turbulent first year in charge with plenty of lows and fan pressure.
The Chelsea Chronicle was told last month that there is an expectation that Pochettino will depart the club at the end of the campaign.
Pochettino is often praised by his peers and opponents as a top-quality coach. Is he the long-term future at Chelsea, though?
Pochettino vs Moyes head to head
It’s a stalemate when you look back at the previous six times Pochettino and Moyes have gone head to head in the dugout as managers.
They both have one win apiece against each other, plus there’s been four draws as well.
Can either of them seize the initiative on Sunday?