Ange Postecoglou has turned Tottenham into genuine title contenders by doing a "fantastic" job, according to the last manager to hit the heights with Spurs.
Mauricio Pochettino will bring his money-laden Chelsea side to his old stamping ground in north London on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) for a fascinating Premier League clash, four years since he took Spurs to the Champions League final.
Now, for the first time since the Argentine's brilliant five-season spell at White Hart Lane, Postecoglou has got Spurs' fans dreaming in a similar fashion as he's steered them to the top of the Premier League table.
Pochettino says he's "so happy" for both the Australian and his old club as he looks forward to a "special" reunion.
Asked on Friday whether he believed Postecoglou could guide Spurs, who are two points clear of Arsenal and Manchester City at the top, to the title this season, he said: "Yes. I think so.
"Ange and the other coaches, they are doing a fantastic job. Very good players, very good team and you can feel they can be a contender.
"It is early in the season but they are showing the quality to be a contender."
Of Postecoglou, he added: "I don't know really well him but I am so happy for him and the club. They are doing really well.
"We cannot forget all that happened there. It is normal. When people are doing well at the club where you were, like I was involved in Southampton and Espanyol also, we keep these links and happy when the club is doing well."
Pochettino was much loved at Spurs but returning to London to manage bitter derby rivals Chelsea means he won't be spared the jeers when he shows up on Monday.
Not that he's worried. "We cannot guess what is going to happen (when I turn up)," said Pochettino, whose Chelsea side appear to be gradually finding their stride in mid-table after a poor start to the campaign.
"Coming back after four years to a place we have amazing memories and created amazing memories together, I think it is really special. I cannot lie."
Like going to see an ex-girlfriend perhaps, someone asked him.
"Goodness!" said Pochettino, taken aback.
"It's difficult because nearly 32 years with my wife and I don't know if I remember or even if I had girlfriend before my wife. That's why it's difficult to answer that question!"
