Mauricio Pochettino may have just opened door to Tottenham return with telling comment
Mauricio Pochettino has played down speculation regarding a potential return to Tottenham – although he did point out that could change before long.
The Argentine is set to take charge of the US Men’s National Team ahead of their home World Cup this summer, but has been heavily linked with a return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Thomas Frank losing his job earlier this month.
Pochettino was sacked by Spurs in 2019, after taking charge of one of the best Tottenham sides seen in decades.
Insisting that he is committed to his future in the USA, the 53-year-old did leave a telling comment that could suggest that the door is not entirely closed.
What has Mauricio Pochettino said about a possible Tottenham return?
The timing of the current mess at Spurs has come at a bad time for Pochettino, who is focused on leading the USA into the 2026 World Cup, which is mainly hosted in the States.
Speaking to RNE, the Argentine looked to play down rumours of a return to North London.
“They are rumours,” said Pochettino.
“They always associate me, as at the same time they associated me with Espanyol. People turn to my emotions. We are focused on the World Cup in the US.”
Though there will always be the feeling that there is unfinished business between the two parties, further adding to the narrative that a return will be on the cards at some point in the future.
While he remained adamant, Pochettino did leave a comment that could convince Spurs fans that the door is not fully closed.
“My contract expires after the World Cup,” he concluded, pretty tellingly, as a nod that he will be a free agent in as soon as four months’ time.
Tottenham are in need of a full reset – why Pochettino could be the man
It goes without saying that this season has been a dismal one for Tottenham, who find themselves locked in a relegation battle less than a year on from winning the Europa League.
The year itself was earmarked as one of further progression, after the trophy drought was finally ended by Ange Postecoglou last May, but things have just continued to worsen.
Alongside the attacking football on show, Spurs fans fondly remember Pochettino’s willingness to rely on young talent, with Harry Kane and Dele Alli both exploding under his guidance.
Tottenham’s squad is at a level much higher than their current positioning, and they need someone to fire some confidence into the group and get the best out of the group of top talent at the club, including Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and more.
It could be argued that a return for Pochettino would simply be an emotional one. But on the flip side, every experiment away from the Argentine has failed.
Tottenham are in a time of crisis, and who better to come in than someone who knows the club inside and out, while he will be given time and respect by the fanbase.
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