Mauricio Pochettino could still return to Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s one of the most popular permutations being discussed right now.
Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the current season (which runs through spring/summer 2026). The club appears to be treating this as a short-term fix while planning for a permanent appointment in the summer, after the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes.
Multiple reports indicate that Pochettino is the “clear favourite,” “consensus candidate,” or even “100% likely” in the eyes of some observers, including former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood.
“We know who is coming in the summer – it will be Pochettino, 100 per cent. I do not think the club will be brave enough to turn to anyone else. There are other options out there but the pressure on another man getting that job and losing two games and then the crowd saying ‘you had a chance to bring Poch back’ – it is impossible for them to look elsewhere.”
The Spurs board is reportedly working to finalise an agreement with him for a permanent role starting post-World Cup. The Mirror say that a deal is taking shape.
Pochettino is currently the head coach of the United States men’s national team (USMNT), a role he took on in 2024. His contract with US Soccer expires after the 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico), so he would become available in July 2026 or shortly thereafter. He has repeatedly spoken positively about his time at Tottenham (2014–2019), calling it the “most special” place in his heart, expressing a desire to return to the Premier League, and even saying he dreams of winning the league and Champions League—goals he associates strongly with Spurs. He has not ruled out a return and has kept the door open in interviews.
Our View
Tottenham might consider other candidates (e.g., Roberto De Zerbi has been mentioned), but Pochettino’s popularity with fans and his past success (Champions League final, consistent top-four finishes) make him the standout sentimental and practical option.
In our view, Tim Sherwood has nailed it.