Mauricio Pochettino took charge of a World XI at Soccer Aid, and the former Chelsea manager enjoyed at least one moment despite losing on his return to Stamford Bridge
Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino could be seen laughing after Tommy Fury attempted an underarm throw-in during Sunday’s Soccer Aid match at Stamford Bridge.
Boxer and reality TV star Fury was part of a World XI managed by Pochettino at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The exhibition match, which helped raise more than £15million for Unicef, went the way of opponents England in a nine-goal thriller, but there were plenty of moments of levity.
With the scores level at 2-2, Fury shaped to take an orthodox throw-in before opting for the underarm delivery. Play was stopped moments later, though, with the 25-year-old allowing a team-mate to take the throw as they were supposed to.
The cameras cut to Pochettino after the incident. Rather than remaining stoic and focused, the Argentine was seen roaring with laughter while gesturing towards the field of play.
“It’s a throw in Tommy, not bowling,” one social media user wrote after watching the footage. “Hasn’t been the same since the Jake Paul fight,” joked another, referring to Fury’s split decision victory over the YouTuber when the pair met in the boxing ring in 2023.
The first half was a close-run affair, with former Chelsea stars Joe Cole and Eden Hazard exchanging goals. Alessandro Del Piero also netted for the World XI, while Ellen White’s goal to make it 2-2 meant she became the first ever female Soccer Aid scorer.
Both teams ran the changes in the second half, and it was England who benefitted. Podcast host Steven Bartlett scored twice, with former international footballers Jermain Defoe and Theo Walcott also on target, while YouTuber Billy Wingrove put away a consolation penalty with his team trailing 5-2.
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It was the first time England have won Soccer Aid since back in 2018. On that occasion, actor Blake Harrison scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out win after Sam Allardyce’s England drew 3-3 in 90 minutes against a World XI with Harry Redknapp in the dugout.
The 2023 edition saw World XI captain Usain Bolt find the net in a 4-2 win. Things went less well for the Jamaican sprinter this time, though, as he was stretchered off after picking up an injury in the lead-up to England’s fourth goal.
Pochettino was on the winning side that day, but couldn’t repeat the feat in 2024. There had been suggestions he might pull out after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent, but opted to return to the dugout at the ground he called his home until May.
“I want to wish all of you the best for next season and beyond,” he wrote on social media after his exit, addressing Chelsea’s fans, players and higher-ups. “It is great that we have the chance to return to Stamford Bridge so soon with Soccer Aid this weekend and I hope that we get to see some of you there too.”
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