'It was a big mistake' - Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino explains why he refused to shake Pep Guardiola's hand in last Man City clash

The 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Manchester City ended in dramatic fashion earlier this season, as Pochettino angrily confronted referee Anthony Taylor as he felt Raheem Sterling had a chance to score on the counter-attack when the official blew the whistle. Such was his fury, he made a beeline for Taylor on the pitch, thus avoiding a handshake with Guardiola, and was booked for his outburst. With the two sides set to renew hostilities on Saturday, Pochettino has claimed that he will not behave in such a way again.

Pochettino said: "No, because I was so angry with the referee, remember? That was why. I then apologised in my press conference after the game. Of course, it is not going to happen again. I was so upset with the referee and I went like an arrow to the pitch to try and fight with the referee. Big mistake and I say sorry again. "I need to be more calm and relaxed and to show respect to the opponent. I feel really bad, but I apologise again."

Pochettino and Guardiola have enjoyed a relatively jovial relationship in recent years and there have been no other flashpoints, with the two happily shaking hands when the Argentine was managing both Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain. One has to think that will be the case again this weekend.

The encounter between the two sides is vital for each. Chelsea can climb to seventh, while City can move top if they manage to vanquish their fellow Blues if other results go their way.