(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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Pochettino almost signed him in 2016, now he could destroy Tottenham's UEFA Super Cup dreams

Kyrenia Shipillis
Kyrenia Shipillis

Kyrenia is a lifelong Tottenham fan who has been writing for Tottenham News since she joined Breaking Media in 2025. She will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham in 2025. She spent several months working for the Non-League Paper and has written for the Sports Gazette. Her earliest memory of the Lilywhites is sitting alone in her dad's room in front of the telly crying into her bowl of popcorn as she watched as her team were thrashed...yet again. She is happy to report that fonder memories have since blossomed.

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Mauricio Pochettino's failure could have decided Tottenham's fate in the UEFA Super Cup final.

Tottenham take on PSG in the Super Cup final on Wednesday, 13 August, after lifting the UEFA Europa League.

Before Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to silverware, Pochettino came close. Spurs made it to their first UEFA Champions League final under the Argentine in 2019, but watched on depleted as Liverpool lifted the trophy on the night.

Still, Tottenham fans look back fondly at the period with Pochettino at the helm. However, one little failure under the former manager could now come back to haunt the London club.

USA manager, Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino is a beloved figure at Tottenham (Credit: Imago)

Tottenham almost signed Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele was touted for greatness when he first burst onto the scene at Stade Rennais in 2015.

The following season, clubs around Europe were fighting for his signature, and Tottenham almost led the line. According to a report from France Football at the time, the Lilywhites discussed signing the forward.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona were also in the running, but the Frenchman chose to continue progressing at Borussia Dortmund.

But now, a UEFA Champions League and a quadruple later, the one who got away returns in what could be a nightmare for Tottenham. The French forward was essential for PSG's win in Europe and will be looking to seal the Ballon d'Or with a victory on Wednesday.

Tottenham fans have long-awaited Pochettino's return to the club. But many could not imagine that it could be his failure that reunites him with Spurs first.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank watches on
Thomas Frank's Tottenham side could struggle to keep Dembele quiet (Credit: Imago)

Dembele could make the difference against Tottenham

Dembele's career before he signed with PSG was almost a laughing matter.

Plagued with injuries, the forward never seemed to find the form that once shone at Dortmund.

  • 12 May 2016: Dembele signs a five-year contract with Dortmund
  • 25 August 2017: Barcelona signed Dembele on a five-year contract, but injuries made it difficult for him to succeed
  • 12 August 2023: PSG triggers Dembele's release clause

But now a Champions League winner and UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, the winger will likely make things difficult for Spurs.

Dembele was the Parisians' leading man in Europe last season, from his relentless press to his goal contributions. Most of their attacks start and end with the Frenchman, and he's notoriously difficult to keep quiet across the full 90 minutes.

Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to start, has a huge job ahead, as keeping him silent could be the difference between another win and Spurs going back to their trophyless ways on Wednesday.

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Mauricio Pochettino
Ousmane Dembele
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