'Of course I want to beat them but I wish them all the best': Mauricio Pochettino not expecting hero's welcome at Southampton but admits he still has 'love' for his former club Mauricio Pochettino is preparing to go up against former club Southampton The Argentine made his name in English football after a short south coast spell Pochettino insists he still loves the club, but isn't expecting a friendly welcome He has yet to lose on four return visits with current side Tottenham Hotspur By Matt Barlow for MailOnline Published: 20:47 GMT, 7 March 2019 | Updated: 20:47 GMT, 7 March 2019 Viewcomments Mauricio Pochettino does not anticipate anything like a hero's welcome at Southampton on Saturday but says he shed many tears when he left for Tottenham. 'There were a lot of people disappointed when I left the club and will not forgive me, but I love them,' said Pochettino as he prepares for another return to St Mary's with Spurs on Saturday. 'A lot of people feel that love. I love Southampton. I cried a lot when I left, my family too. It was one of the most important periods in my life with my family, that they enjoyed the most. That is why it was so tough. Mauricio Pochettino does not anticipate anything like a hero's welcome at Southampton 'I spent one and a half years there and it was a great experience I enjoyed a lot. For different reasons it is difficult to explain and understand why I left the club. 'Of course people can criticise: Why did you leave? But sometimes for different circumstances you need to change your life and move and be away from some situations. 'I cannot explain but I still love them. Of course I want to beat them but I wish them all the best.' The Argentine made his name in English football after a short south coast spell with the Saints Pochettino arrived at Southampton in January 2013 and spent 18 months with the Saints before he joined Tottenham in the summer of 2014. He has yet to lose on four return visits with Spurs but expects a difficult test against Ralph Hasenhuttl's team on Saturday. 'My wish is for Southampton to finish in a very good way,' said Pochettino. 'He is doing a very good job, Southampton have very good players, a very good squad.' Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility