Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Thu 12 March 2026 15:00, UK

Mauricio Pochettino saw Tottenham Hotspur capitulate against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The former Spurs boss was present at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on 10 March as the North London outfit lost 5-2 in the first leg.

With Thomas Frank leaving midway through the season after a tough stint in N17, ENIC are in search of a new permanent manager ahead of next season.

Tottenham appointed Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the campaign, but he could potentially be on his way out after losing his first four games in charge, leaving the Lilywhites to fill the vacancy in their dugout again.

Tottenham will have to wait for Mauricio Pochettino return

Pochettino is currently in charge of the US men’s national team, with the Americans among the hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

It would be surprising to see the Argentine manager leave his current role ahead of the summer tournament despite the prospect of an emotional return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium possibly on the cards.

Speaking to RNE on 25 February about Spurs, Pochettino said, “They are rumours. 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. My contract expires after the World Cup.”

Mauricio Pochettino favourite for Spurs job

Tottenham may have to make a change with Tudor sooner rather than later as they look to avoid Premier League relegation.

Most Lilywhites supporters would love to see Pochettino back in N17, and while they could potentially have to wait until next season, it seems like a possibility.

One major bookmaker’s 5/4 odds had the Argentine manager as the favourite to lead the North London outfit in the 2026/27 campaign.

Tottenham given food for thought over Mauricio Pochettino hire

Pochettino’s return to Tottenham may not be straightforward due to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Spurs will surely want someone in charge of the team before pre-season starts, but the 54-year-old head coach could potentially have a prolonged campaign with the USMNT in the summer, complicating his possible arrival.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, John Wenham said, “I’m obviously a little bit cautious of the fact that the US’s World Cup games could go on for quite a bit of time, eating into the pre-season where we need such a massive rebuild.

“We really do need Pochettino there for that, but I still think Pochettino is an absolutely outstanding candidate and the man that should get the job.”

The managerial situation will surely be worth watching closely at the North London outfit, but their main concern right now should be on maintaining their Premier League status.