Mauricio Pochettino believes Mike Dean is trying to stay "controversial" and remain in the spotlight, after the retired Premier League referee admitted to playing games with himself while officiating top-flight matches.
Dean, who retired in 2023 after more than 20 years as a top-level official, sparked anger last week when he revealed he used to see how long he could go without blowing his whistle during matches, and how long he could stand in the centre circle before having to move.
Speaking on the Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast, Dean said: 'There used to be games we would have for a laugh. It would kick-off, right; see how long we could go without blowing a whistle. I done that a few times in the Premier League, before VAR, obviously. Went 20, 25 minutes without blowing the whistle.'
He added: 'I used to do another one in the Premier League, I used to stand in the centre circle and see how long I could stay in the centre circle before I had to leave. That was just me joking about. Got about 15 minutes once, in one game.'
Following the backlash, Dean issued a statement insisting he always applied the letter of the law when he was an official.
Pochettino's history with Dean
Pochettino, now manager of the United States men's national team, said he was not surprised by Dean's comments and believes the 58-year-old is showing people how he really was.
'He was controversial. His character now - he's showing how he was,' the Argentine said. 'People maybe like him, people maybe do not. Maybe now he's playing a little bit with the personality, and to try to be funny, and to create some controversial things.
'He's putting some salt, pepper, like a chili, some condiments (on a steak). He needs to understand that "OK, let's not put gasoline on to the fire."'
The Burnley bust-up
Pochettino and Dean were once embroiled in a heated moment caught on camera during the 2018-19 season, when Tottenham were in a title challenge. On February 23, 2019, the pair clashed after Spurs had lost 2-1 at Burnley.
As soon as the full-time whistle blew, an angry Pochettino stormed onto the pitch to confront Dean, before walking away and then returning to argue further after an apparent comment from the referee.
His assistant, Jesus Perez, intervened and could be heard shouting 'say that again, in front of the camera' at Dean amid the melee, as Pochettino was led away by Burnley defender Phil Bardsley.
Pochettino was subsequently given a two-match touchline ban and a £10,000 fine for his role in the incident, while Dean was dropped as a fourth official for the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham just a few days later.
Pochettino reflects on the incident
Speaking about the Turf Moor tetchiness, Pochettino said: 'What he said was a stupid thing. But our code is we never talk about what happened on the pitch. It's like what happened in Las Vegas - stays in Las Vegas.
'But in that moment we were under pressure. The perception was "Tottenham need to win something." It's true that we were a little bit under pressure.
'We were disappointed in that game. He said one stupid thing, it makes you react so quick. It's not that we cannot deal with it.
'But it was like in my position, I would never do that. How do you say? Make a joke? I'm not going to be the funny guy to do some joke if you are under pressure in your job.'
Despite the tension of that night, Pochettino said his relationship with Dean was generally good. 'It was always funny to be with him. We had a good relationship. It was only this action, that situation, that was tough because we were in a very sensitive moment.'
