Revealed: Pochettino tried to sign ex-Chelsea star before awkward comment

FORMER Chelsea defender Malang Sarr has criticized Mauricio Pochettino for “forgetting” his name while at the club.

The 25-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge in 2020 but made just eight Premier League appearances in four years.

His last appearance for the Blues came on the final day of the 2021/22 season, when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge.

Sarr didn't even train with the first team when Pochettino was at the helm.

As a result, the manager claimed last summer that he did not know who the defender was.

When Poch was asked about the Sarr's future during a press conference, he replied: “Who?”

But the Frenchman hit back in a recent interview, claiming Pochettino knew who he was.

He even claimed that the manager tried to sign him for Tottenham during his time at White Hart Lane.

Sarr told L'Equipe: “I took it badly. It shouldn't have happened. He knew me.

“He even tried to sign me at Tottenham. I didn't ask for an explanation.”

The centre-back's contract with Chelsea was terminated in July.

He then joined RC Lens for free.