Malang Sarr Drops Bombshell: Pochettino 'Forgot' Me on Purpose After Tottenham Chase!
Malang Sarr has accused ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino of deliberately snubbing him in a viral press conference, despite previously trying to sign him for Tottenham. The French defender rejected Poch's follow-up call and resisted unwanted loan moves before joining RC Lens. He's now thriving there, putting his Chelsea frustrations behind him.
Malang Sarr Lifts Lid on Chelsea Chaos and Pochettino's Blunder
Ever had a boss blank you in front of the world? Spare a thought for Malang Sarr, the French defender who's just unloaded on his old gaffer Mauricio Pochettino. In a candid chat on the Kampo podcast, Sarr reckons Poch's infamous 'Who?' moment during a Chelsea presser was no accident – it was a proper wind-up. We're talking 2023, post-win over Luton Town, when journos quizzed the Argentine on squad no-shows.
The Presser That Broke the Internet
Picture the scene: Chelsea's buzzing off a victory, reporters fire in about Sarr and keeper Jamie Cumming. Pochettino, deadpan as ever, hits back with 'Who?' when Sarr's name drops. The hack presses on about Cumming's pre-season exploits against Wrexham, and Poch's all 'Oh my goodness, Malana Sarr and Jamie? I don't know what to tell you.'
Viral gold, that. Fans lapped it up, but Sarr? He was fuming on holiday, scrolling Insta when the clip hit. 'I felt like smashing everything,' he spilled. 'He's doing it on purpose. I know he knows me – impossible he didn't.' Brutal, innit?
From Tottenham Target to Forgotten Man
Here's the kicker: Poch tried to sign Sarr for Tottenham back in the day. Fast-forward to Sarr rocking up at Stamford Bridge, and the boss allegedly tells his assistant, 'Look who's here – we chased him at Spurs, now we're together!' So how does the same bloke 'forget' him months later? Sarr's not buying the memory lapse excuse one bit.
Poch tried patching it up sharpish, ringing Sarr the next day or so. Defender wasn't having it – straight to voicemail. Now managing the US national team, Poch's moved on, but Sarr's grudge lingers like a bad tackle. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes beef that makes you wonder what else brews in those fancy training grounds.
Stamford Bridge Exit: Forced Moves and Standing Firm
Sarr's Chelsea stint? A right rollercoaster. The hierarchy pushed him towards loans he didn't fancy, but at 23, he dug his heels in. 'I'm staying at a top European club to play,' he told the sporting director. 'End of.' Cue annoyed vibes all round – but Sarr held firm, eventually bouncing to RC Lens.
No regrets, mind. He's bossing it in Ligue 1 now, silencing doubters with top-drawer displays at centre-back. Chelsea fans might look back and wince – versatile defender, solid in possession, but caught in the club's youth merry-go-round. As reported by the lads at Goal.com, this saga highlights the cut-throat world of modern football management.
Sarr's tale is a cautionary pint for any aspiring pro: one viral gaffe, and you're yesterday's chip paper. Poch's probably chuckling in the States, but Sarr's proving his point on the pitch. Who's laughing now, eh? Keep an eye on Lens – this lad's got unfinished business in the big leagues.