Mauricio Pochettino said he still loves Southampton despite getting a frosty reception on his return to St Mary’s.

The former Saints boss, who left the club for Tottenham last summer, saw his side twice rally from a goal behind to draw 2-2 with Ronald Koeman’s men.

Pochettino was given a bit of stick by Saints supporters but said he understood why and still has a great affinity with the club.

He said: “I think that I was focussed on my job.

“I think that we met with a lot of people that we love and that love us. We have very good memories and love always Southampton and no change.

“I understand the game, football is like this, it’s normal.

“They need to show their support to the manager and the club and now I am Tottenham and I am very happy for the reaction from our supporters and I say thank you because they show their support to me.”

Speaking of the game he added: “I think that we conceded two goals from our mistakes.

“I am a little bit disappointed with that.

“I think we try always to manage the game and the possession for us was more than 60 per cent but Southampton are a very good team, very good players and very difficult to play at St Mary’s.

“I think the effort of our players was very good. Two times down but a result, we show big character to come back in the game and in the end a good result for both teams.”