New updates from journalist Pete O’Rourke have fueled talk about Mauricio Pochettino potentially returning to Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke suggested the Argentine manager is still very open to taking the Spurs job again. This interest is especially relevant if the club decide to move on from current boss Thomas Frank.
Mauricio Pochettino Eyes Sensational Tottenham Return Amid Thomas Frank Struggles
Tottenham are stuck in 14th place right now. That puts Frank in a tough spot, only months after he took over for Ange Postecoglou. So, the decision-makers in North London are staying closely tuned to their former manager’s situation.
O’Rourke explained that Pochettino still feels a strong personal connection to the club. However, the timing is a problem. The 53-year-old is currently in charge of the United States men’s national team. Right now, he is fully dialled in on the 2026 World Cup hosted in America. O’Rourke made it clear that nothing will happen right away.
Any potential move would probably wait until after the summer tournament ends. The journalist mentioned that the USA’s performance will play a big role; a poor showing might speed up his exit. Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation. They see the Argentine as a strong option if Frank cannot stop the team’s downward slide.
“Well, it’s an easy link to me because of his links to Tottenham, but yeah, nothing’s going to happen right now with Pochettino. His full focus is on the World Cup with the host nation the United States.
“Who’s to know what’s going to happen after the summer? It all depends on how well the USA do at the finals. If they have a disappointing tournament, you can imagine Mauricio Pochettino could be moved on.
“And I’m sure Pochettino himself, he’s never hidden his desire to maybe return to Tottenham. He feels he’s got unfinished business there. So he would be somebody I’m sure the club have continued to keep tabs on if something does happen with Thomas Frank.”
Romanticism Meets Harsh Reality
Does a reunion actually make sense for Tottenham? The sentimental side of it is easy to see. Pochettino turned Spurs into Champions League finalists and genuine contenders while playing football that fans loved watching. On the other hand, Thomas Frank has found it hard to bring his Brentford success to the pressure cooker of N17.
With the team in the bottom half of the league, fans are starting to wonder if the Dane is really the right fit for a club of this size. Bringing back a fan favourite like Pochettino could fix the mood and bring the supporters back together. Still, there are reasons to be sceptical. The “never go back” rule exists in football for a reason; the second time around rarely captures the same magic as the first.
The timing is also messy. Spurs might need a saviour right this second, not in July 2026 after the World Cup. Waiting for Pochettino would basically mean giving up on the rest of this season. However, if Frank can hang on until May, the summer window creates a clear opportunity.
The Argentine understands the club’s culture and knows how to develop young talent. He also possesses the natural star power that Frank seemingly lacks. If his time with the USA ends this summer, the Tottenham board might see it as a chance to finally finish what they started in 2019.