Pochettino believes he deserves to have a Premier League championship on his résumé.
He also spent one season in charge of Chelsea, where he found it difficult to earn the full support of the fans.
Although Chelsea ended the 2023-24 campaign in sixth place, neither Pochettino nor the club is likely to remember that season with much affection.
His relationship with Tottenham is very different, as the Argentine remains highly regarded after managing the club for five years from 2014.
In addition to guiding Tottenham to second place in the Premier League, he led them to the Champions League final during the 2018-19 season.
The 86 points collected in 2016-17 also remain a club record.
Do Tottenham supporters agree with his assessment?
“I certainly do,” said Chris Paouros, co-founder and co-chair of Proud Lilywhites, external link and Women of The Lane., external link
“He could claim the moon was made from halloumi, and I would probably agree with him.
“By many standards, Tottenham’s 2016-17 side was the strongest in the division. It had the most productive attack, the finest defence and the fewest losses, while remaining unbeaten at home during the final season at the old White Hart Lane.
“If the competition was not conducted on equal terms, it is reasonable to raise the issue.”
Paouros accepts that Tottenham will not be awarded the trophy, but argued that regulations must carry weight regardless of which club might benefit.
There is also another perspective to consider.
Would supporters truly be able to celebrate a championship awarded ten years later because another club broke the rules?
“Tottenham fans would still find a reason to celebrate it,” said Tristan Foot, secretary of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust. “It would represent a triumph over Chelsea, even if it arrived a decade afterward.”
Nevertheless, supporters of other Premier League teams continue to feel that an injustice occurred.
“To some degree, it suggests that breaking the rules can still bring rewards in football,” Foot said. “That is the serious concern beneath the entire debate.
“During transfer periods, they recruited players we had virtually no possibility of securing, with Willian being the clearest example.
“The Premier League needs to apply sporting penalties more effectively and ensure its regulations have genuine consequences.”
Now that every investigation has been completed, a belated trophy celebration for Pochettino or any other affected party appears improbable.
The remaining question is whether clubs will experience similar emotions once the Manchester City case eventually reaches its conclusion.
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