Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham Hotspur wanted to bring him back to the Premier League when he was at Paris Saint-Germain. His comments will pique interest, given they come at a time he’s being linked to Spurs again.
The Argentine is now in charge of USA, who will host the World Cup with Mexico in the summer.
He has so far managed at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, PSG, Chelsea and now the US national team.
The 54-year-old spent a long time for a manager at the north London club, between July 2014 and November 2019.
Pochettino’s record with Tottenham is a world away from where they are now.
Matches: 293
Wins: 160
Draws: 60
Loses: 73
Goals scored: 559
Goals conceded: 322
Since leaving Tottenham, he was without a job for over a year until PSG appointed him in January 2021. The Premier League side wanted to bring their former manage back to the club in that year.
Tottenham contacted Pochettino
L’Equipe have now published a detailed interview with the former Chelsea boss, where he talks about Spurs’ approach.
In April 2021, Spurs parted ways with José Mourinho and appointed Ryan Mason as the interim boss for the rest of that season.
They wanted a new manager for the 2021/22 season and brought in Nuno Espírito Santo, only to replace him with Antonio Conte in November. The London club contacted Pochettino prior to Nuno’s arrival.
The newspaper specifically asked whether it’s true that Tottenham contacted him after his first six months at PSG.
“Not just Tottenham. Other very big clubs too,” he said.
When quizzed whether he wanted to leave PSG then, Pochettino explained: “When that six-month season ended, there was a bit of… Well, with this whole COVID situation, the club situation created instability. In every area.
“There was a period of change, uncomfortable situations, situations that… (He thinks about his words.) That didn’t give the impression that it was possible to work in a stable environment, like the one we have today. I enjoyed my experience at PSG. But I had other options, which I shared with the club, but they chose not to listen to any of them.”
Pochettino had spells with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in England, and when asked whether he misses English football, he added: “I miss the world of football in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture. For anyone with a competitive spirit who wants to measure themselves against others and test their limits, it’s the ideal place. Here, you have to give your best constantly.”
Why this is encouraging for Tottenham
Mauricio Pochettino’s admission of missing English football may be a hint that he wants to return to England. Spurs, who are now 17th, could try again if they avoid relegation this season.
Earlier this month, he flirted with the Real Madrid job, as he travelled to Spain to watch his former club’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February, will only be in charge until the end of the season. Tottenham need a new permanent manager and could consider their former boss after the World Cup.
The tournament runs from June 11th to July 19th this summer. Even with Pochettino in charge it’s unlikely the US team will go all the way. However, they have a good chance of making it out of their group, given they face Paraguay, Australia and a yet qualified team from Pathway C.
First knockout rounds run from July 4th until July 7th, and should the US side get through that then the quarterfinals are from July 9th until July 11th.
The 2026/27 Premier League season starts on August 22nd. Hypothetically, that gives Mauricio Pochettino plenty of time to get back to Tottenham Hotspur and take preseason… just in case you were wondering.