Will Still and John Mousinho ‘create Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte 2.0’ after Southampton vs Portsmouth stalemate

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Southampton and Portsmouth’s first south coast derby in six years ended goalless, but their managers were anything but dull – so much so they reminded fans of Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte.

The south coast foes had just one shot on target each throughout the clash, with it being 125 years since Southampton and Portsmouth’s last stalemate.

Pompey’s Connor Ogilvie and Nicolas Schmid were forced to come off during the derby, following a collision involving the Saints’ new signing Tom Fellows. John Mousinho was vocal about the clash in his post-match interview, telling Sky Sports he would be speaking to referee Matthew Donohue.

While Portsmouth will be happy to take a point in their foes’ backyard, there was an air of frustration clouding St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon. That certainly showed when the managers shook hands at full-time.

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Southampton and Portsmouth managers have feisty exchange at full-time

Southampton boss Will Still and Pompey’s John Mousinho went to shake hands at the final whistle in front of the Sky Sports cameras. While the exchange seemed civilised at first, with minimal words exchanged, Still then turned to look at his opponent with confusion as they went past each other.

Still appeared to have thought Mousinho had held on for too long, and took his hand back looking baffled. Mousinho acknowledged him but had no reaction as he walked away, while the Saints boss muttered something to himself.

It immediately reminded fans of former Chelsea and Tottenham managers Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte’s infamous clash in the Premier League in 2022 when their handshake turned into a grapple with multiple people getting involved to separate them.

The exchange at St Mary’s didn’t go quite that far, but fans on social media spotted the similarities.

“Will Still not giving Mous any eye contact at FT. Bitter bitter man. Tuchel & Conte all over again,” one wrote, along with a laughing face emoji.

A second, posting a gif of the Tuchel and Conte clash, said: “Will Still & Mousinho at full time.”

“Conte and Tuchel 2.0,” a third joked.

Will Still booked for expressing frustrations during Southampton versus Portsmouth

Still found himself in the referee’s book after venting about Portsmouth winning a free kick in the second half.

The Saints manager went in alongside four of his players, with Pompey picking up two yellows too in what was a scrappy clash in the end.

Still admitted he was frustrated by the game, despite his side showing a more encouraging performance in the second half.

He and Mousinho won’t meet again now until January 25 at Fratton Park.