Regarding the speculation about Mauricio Pochettino returning to Tottenham, the U.S. men’s national team head coach is urging fans not to pay attention to it.
Pochettino addressed the rumors linking him with a surprising comeback to Tottenham during a press conference after the USMNT’s 2-1 defeat against Turkey, deeming the situation “not realistic.”
“Since I departed in 2019, I’ve been associated with the team every time the manager or head coach position at Tottenham became available,” he remarked.
“My name has surfaced on lists. I’ve observed the discussions. I saw there were around 100 coaches mentioned by the club. I think there’s no need for concerns. If something were to occur, you would surely see it, but right now, we cannot discuss such scenarios as it seems unrealistic at this moment. I am where I am, and that’s our situation.”
Ange Postecoglou was dismissed as Spurs manager this week after a season marked by a Europa League win and a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.
As reported by the BBC, Pochettino’s name is included among those being considered to replace him, alongside Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner.
Pochettino is fondly remembered at Tottenham, where he was the head coach from 2014 to 2019, leading the club to a Champions League final and securing second and third-place finishes in the Premier League.
In March, he expressed a desire to return to Tottenham one day.
“When I left the club, I always recall saying in an interview that I would like to return to Tottenham someday,” the Argentine shared with Sky Sports.
“As I am in the USA now, I won’t speak about that right now — but the feelings I shared back then continue to resonate with me, even after six or five years. Yes, I would like to return one day.”
According to the BBC, should Pochettino leave the USMNT, Tottenham may be required to pay U.S. Soccer “one of the largest financial compensation fees in football history.”
Pochettino has been managing the USMNT since October. Following Saturday’s match against Turkey, his record stands at 5 wins, 0 draws, and 4 losses.
Image Source: Mauricio Pochettino @ Instagram
