By BEN HUNT
MAURICIO POCHETTINO hailed Southampton’s fans for backing him at St Mary’s last night.
Angry Saints supporters had threatened a protest after the Argentine replaced axed manager Nigel Adkins on Friday.
But the expected outcry did not materialise and new boss Pochettino said: “I have to thank the supporters, they’ve been kind and the reception was amazing.
“I really enjoyed the game and would like to thank the supporters for getting behind us.
“We did well. We created several chances and the only shame was that we did not score a lot of goals.
“I want to thank the fans and the players for their effort in these past three days.”
Saints started life without Adkins by refusing to mention their old boss in their 75-page programme.
But even if the club have quickly forgot about Adkins’ hardwork, Pochettino has not.
He said: “I have the maximum respect for the previous manager.
“It’s never nice to take over from another manager who’s been let go, but that’s how it’s been.”
Southampton dominated the majority of the first-half and should have been out of sight by half-time.
Everton chief David Moyes said: “Our supporters probably saw our poorest 45 minutes of the season in that first half but I’ll give Southampton credit for that.
“At least we gave them something to shout about after half-time and had some chances at goal.”
Jason Puncheon became the butt of fans’ chants in the second half after he was forced to go for a TOILET break.
Pochettino said: “That’s the second time that’s happened to me as a manager.
“It happened to me at Espanyol with Victor Ruiz.
“Jason was feeling a bit ‘unstable’ and had to go to the loo.
“It was a nervy day. Whenever there’s a new manager, the players want to impress and those nerves can get the better of you.”
