The Mirror

Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a Tottenham return as they eye a new manager but the USA boss insists the timing is not right for him to head back to north London

Mauricio Pochettino says a return to Tottenham is "not realistic" amid talk of a move back to north London as the club seek a successor to Ange Postecoglou - who was sacked on Friday.

Europa League glory was not enough to save the former Celtic boss and the search has begun for a new manager. Thomas Frank is the leading candidate but Pochettino too has been linked with a move back to Tottenham, where he spent five years.

Despite not winning a trophy the Argentine has been the most successful manager in the club's recent history, especially in terms of Premier League performance. He consistently had them in the top four and achieved a second place finish in 2017.

He is now leading the USA with their home World Cup just over a year out and Pochettino insists any thought of a Tottenham return is not feasible right now.

The 53-year-old said: “After I left in 2019, every time that I was free, and the place of the position of the manager or head coach in Tottenham Hotspur, my name is appearing on the list. If you have seen the rumours, I think there are 100 coaches in the list. I think, don’t be worried about that.

“If something happened, for sure you will see, but we cannot talk about this type of thing, because I think today, it’s not real. It’s not realistic. Look at where I am, where we are. And the thing is, the answer is so clear, no? But we’re talking about it because it’s my club, like Newells or Espanyol.”

Tottenham have identified Frank as the man they want and the Dane appears equally as interesting in filling the vacancy. He's seen his stock rise throughout his time at Brentford and may feel the time is right to pursue a new challenge in the capital.

Pochettino meanwhile has just seen his American side beaten 2-1 by Turkey in Connecticut. It was the team's third successive defeat which leaves the Argentine with five wins and four losses from nine matches in charge. The United States will host the World Cup for the first time since 1994 next summer.

The Argentine, who was sacked by Tottenham just months after leading them to the Champions League final, has since held jobs at PSG and Chelsea.

Thomas Frank is keen to become the next Tottenham manager and wants them to rival Manchester United for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo - who is likely to be on the move

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has told his club that he wants to move on to take up the vacancy at Tottenham - who have made the Dane their No 1 target after sacking Ange Postecoglou.

Daniel Levy axed the Australian on Friday and has wasted no time in going after his successor. Frank has performed impressively over in west London, guiding the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League before establishing them as a top flight club.

He is now ready for his next challenge and sees the Tottenham job as the ideal opportunity. Talks have already begun about moving across the capital, but Frank has made it clear he wants to bring one of his leading lights with him.

Bryan Mbeumo is linked with a £60million switch to Manchester United, who have now submitted two bids for the Cameroon frontman, but Frank wants Tottenham to swoop in and win the race for his signature.

It would be a statement of intent from the Danish manager, who can use the lure of Champions League football in negotiations. Mbeumo has just enjoyed his best season to date in front of goal and is expected to move on.

Tottenham's failure to replace Ange Postecoglou has already seen them miss out on two midfielders and now they want to get a deal for the Aussie's successor in place to avoid missing out on further targets. The Bees head coach is thought to have a good relationship with Spurs technical director and compatriot Johan Lange, who is expected to remain at the club.

Spurs have already missed out in the market with England international Angel Gomes, a player Tottenham had been pursuing, choosing to join Marseille on a free transfer once he left Lille.

Meanwhile, Real Betis' American star Johnny Cardoso has agreed to join Atletico Madrid, providing a deal can be struck. Tottenham did have an option to land Cardoso but he wasn't willing to wait around whilst the north Londoners mulled over their options.

Frank will be tasked with improving on Tottenham's worst ever Premier League showing. Their European form covered for poor domestic results and they became the first club to lose 22 times but avoid relegation such was their decline.

Tottenham are prioritising the appointment of their new head coach but there is recognition that they must now act quickly following a slow start to their summer transfer business

Tottenham's hesitance over the future of Ange Postecoglou has already seen them miss out on two midfielders and now they want to get a deal for the Aussie's successor in place to avoid missing out on further targets. Daniel Levy had spent the past two weeks deliberating whether to stick or twist in the aftermath of Spurs' Europa League triumph in Bilbao before finally pulling the trigger on Postecoglou on Friday.

Thomas Frank is considered the clear frontrunner to replace the 59-year-old and while Brentford are yet to receive a formal approach for the Dane, positive talks have already taken place with Frank.

Fulham's Marco Silva remains another name of interest but barring a significant U-turn, it looks as though Spurs will push ahead with a swoop for Frank, whose Brentford contract contains a significant buy-out clause.

The Bees head coach is thought to have a good relationship with Spurs technical director and compatriot Johan Lange, who is expected to remain at the club and he'll also be tasked with overseeing transfer business alongside the likely returning Fabio Paratici.

Spurs have already lost key ground in the market, England international Angel Gomes, a player Tottenham had been pursuing, has opted to join Marseille on a free transfer after also snubbing West Ham.

Gomes' contract with Lille is set to expire at the end of the month but he now looks poised to remain in France after warming to the idea of working with Roberto De Zerbi.

Meanwhile, Real Betis' American maestro Johnny Cardoso has agreed to join Atletico Madrid, providing a club-to-club deal can be struck.

Last summer, Spurs negotiated a £21million first-option clause - that can only be triggered during a two-week window - on USMNT starlet Cardoso when selling Giovani Lo Celso to Betis. But it now looks as though Atletico will pounce and conclude a deal at a higher price for the highly-rated 23-year-old, who is not willing to wait around for Tottenham.

Names of continued interest are the likes of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m buy-out clause (worth £60m + £8m in add-ons) that becomes active this summer, and Eagles skipper Marc Guehi while the Europa League winners were also tracking Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo has intimated that he wants to join Manchester United, who have had a £55m bid rejected and it remains to be seen if Tottenham-linked Frank could potentially swing the balance and convince his current player to join him in north London, if he lands the job.

Ultimately, until Spurs know who their new manager is going to be - he will have a clear say on targets - it's difficult to envisage them splashing out on mega-money deals. Business will also likely be shaped by potential outgoings with Cristian Romero and captain Heung-min Son among those that could yet seek to pursue new challenges.

Inevitably, they would need to be replaced with quality. Spurs remain keen on signing Mathys Tel on a permanent basis but they want to negotiate with Bayern Munich and won't be triggering their mooted £45m buy-option.

Manchester United are determined to make Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo their second signing of the summer but they could face competition from one of their Premier League rivals

Thomas Frank has told Spurs he wants them to rival Manchester United for £60million Bryan Mbeumo. Frank is set to be confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s successor next week and is keen to take Brentford’s in-demand forward with him to north London.

Mbeumo would represent a statement signing for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy who could trump United’s bid with Champions League football. Although United remain favourites for the 25-year-old’s signature, Mbeumo now has a decision as to whether to follow his head or his heart.

The Cameroon international bagged 20 league goals over the past season to attract the attention of United and Newcastle with the Magpies’ January move for him rejected.

Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland outscored him in the top flight last term, while his seven assists were also key in helping Brentford to a top-half finish.

United have made two bids for him with the player, as things stand, open to a move and undeterred by their poor first season under Ruben Amorim. Mbeumo has a year left on his contract with an option for an extra year.

But United, who have held extensive talks with his representatives for some time, have yet to agree a deal with Brentford, leaving the door open for Spurs to make their move. The offer on the table at Old Trafford is around £150,000-a-week with add-ons taking the package up to £200,000-a-week.

Spurs would offer Mbeumo around £130,000-a-week and although bonuses would still leave them short of the United package, the north Londoners would still have the pull of Champions League football and Frank - who turned Mbeumo into one of the most feared forwards in the top flight.

Mbeumo’s hot streak last season ended fears that the Bees would struggle after seeing star striker Ivan Toney leave for Saudi Arabia on Transfer deadline day in August.

Would Bryan Mbeumo be a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Speaking about Mbeumo's future earlier this month, Frank said: "It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Really a lot. Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for."

He added: "I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don't look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.

"How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”

Tottenham have sacked manager Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after winning the Europa League and James Maddison has shared a tribute to the Australian on social media

James Maddison has paid a touching tribute to Ange Postecoglou after he was sacked as Tottenham manager, despite winning the Europa League. Postecoglou spent two seasons in charge of Spurs, guiding them to a fifth placed finish in his first Premier League campaign.

However, their league form was awful last season as Tottenham finished just one place above the relegation zone and suffered 22 defeats. They did beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, though, to win their first piece of silverware since 2008 and qualify for next season's Champions League.

Despite that victory, Spurs decided to axe Postecoglou and are now looking for a new manager. The likes of Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are among the candidates who could replace him.

It remains to be seen who ultimately becomes Spurs' next manager, but a number of players have penned emotional farewell messages to Postecoglou. Maddison, who was one of Postecoglou's first signings at the club, wrote on social media: "Gaffer, where to start. Firstly, thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club that I now call my home.

"Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the clubs vice captain & part of the leadership group from the get go is something I’ll always be thankful for.

"Secondly for the Europa league campaign that started in our stadium on gameweek one and finished perfectly with that special night in Bilbao. You led us to victory and we’re European champions and in this clubs history books because of you and your winning mentality.

"Lastly and most importantly is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this clubs 17 year drought for a trophy.

"A family man with great morales & I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know. All the very best. Madders".

Club captain Son Heung-min also shared a similar message on social media, branding Postecoglou a "Tottenham Hotspur legend forever". He wrote: "Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club.

"You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you. Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate."

Tottenham are searching for their fifth permanent manager in six years after sacking Ange Postecoglou, with chairman Daniel Levy looking to the Premier League for a replacement

Thomas Frank leads a five-man shortlist Tottenham chiefs have drawn up as they search for a replacement for Ange Postecoglou. Spurs sacked the Australian on Friday, despite him leading them to winning the Europa League.

That was the club's first major trophy for 17 years and their first piece of European silverware since 1984. But Postecoglou paid the price for an awful Premier League campaign.

Spurs won just 11 top-flight games and ended up 17th in the table, their lowest finish since being relegated in 1977. While the Europa League win ensured the season was not a failure, chairman Daniel Levy opted to make a change.

It means that Spurs will be looking for their fifth permanent manager of the last six years. In that time, Ryan Mason has also had two periods as caretaker boss, while Cristian Stellini also had a spell in interim charge.

While the first summer transfer window remains open for the next three days, Levy's attention will turn to who he could bring in to replace Postecoglou. It appears that this time, Spurs will look for an appointment from inside the Premier League.

According to BBC Sport, Brentford boss Frank is at the top of the shortlist. Frank has emerged as one of the top-flight's best coaches during his time in charge of the Bees, since taking over in 2018.

He led them to promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and has since transformed them into a solid top-flight outfit. They finished 10th in the table this season and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Also in contention is Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, who built his reputation with La Liga's Rayo Vallecano. The Spaniard led the Cherries to a record Premier League points haul this season as they finished ninth.

The third man on the list is Marco Silva, who has solidified Fulham's place in the Premier League. Silva had the reputation for being somewhat of a mercenary during his first years in English football.

He took charge of Hull, Watford and Everton in the space on two years. But since taking over the Cottagers in 2021 he has restored himself, leading them to the Championship title in 2022.

Having won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner is also in contention. The Austrian has only been at Selhurst Park for 18 months and suffered a difficult start to this season, but came through it to lead Palace to their first-ever major trophy.

Finally, a familiar name to crop up whenever the Spurs job becomes available is once again on the list. Mauricio Pochettino turned Spurs into title-challengers during his five years at the club from 2014 and is now in charge of the United States national team.

It is unknown how serious Tottenham's interest in Pochettino is, and given he spent a year with Chelsea it may be an unpopular move. The Argentine may even be likely to turn down an approach as he focuses on leading the USA in a home World Cup next summer.

Thomas Frank is among the frontrunners to become the next Tottenham manager after they sacked Ange Postecoglou - and the Brentford boss has made his feelings clear about moving on

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has previously claimed he has "one of the best jobs in football" with Tottenham considering an approach to make the Dane their new manager.

The north London side sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday despite the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a trophy. Europa League success though wasn't enough to see him keep his job and Daniel Levy showed him the door after a poor Premier League season.

Attention has turned to his successor - which could well be Frank with Tottenham bosses keen. He has two years left on his contract however as well as a big buy-out clause written into the deal which he signed back in December 2022.

Since Frank was appointed at the Bees he's led them to promotion from the Championship and been able to establish them as a top flight side. All that despite him losing his top talent as Brentford continue to cash in on their leading lights for major profits.

Despite that the Brentford boss believes he's blessed to be in charge at the Gtech Community Stadium, hailing the environment he'd worked in.

He previously told Sky Sports : "I may be in one of the best football jobs in the world. I mean that because the work environment is so good, the owner is so good, it's such a good environment. Everything is top. Do you want to try something different in the future? That's the thing. Maybe, but it's not like I need to try something bigger or better. Because what is better? I'm definitely very ambitious and I think I can achieve everything I want to with Brentford."

Frank has enjoyed huge continuity and loyalty from the Bees. Even during periods where results have gone against them the club's bosses has kept faith with their man in the dugout.

Tottenham and Levy have proved to be a much more ruthless environment. The club are eyeing another new manager with Postecoglou, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte shown the door in recent years. Both Nuno and Conte have gone on to enjoy success since.

Jose Mourinho was famously sacked before a cup final and Tottenham have shown that even trophies will not supersede league form by sacking the former Celtic boss - a move which has proved hugely divisive.

Tottenham made the bombshell decision to sack Ange Postecoglou on Friday after two years in charge and it appears that call has not gone down well with some members of the squad

Tottenham stars have been left ‘angry’ by the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou, with some even planning to quit the club. Spurs announced on Friday that the Australian’s two-year spell had been brought to an end.

It follows a dire Premier League campaign in which the North London side finished 17th, albeit they still managed to end their long trophy drought by winning the Europa League and thus securing a spot back in the Champions League.

But chairman Daniel Levy has still decided to make a change. And that call has not gone down particularly well with some members of the Spurs squad.

According to The Telegraph, a number of players have been left ‘angered’, with it also being suggested that some now want to leave in the wake of Postecoglou’s own departure. Some stars believe that his eventual successor has a huge task of repairing the dressing room damage currently on show at the club.

A number of Spurs stars have already spoken out on Postecoglou’s departure on social media. Pedro Porro was the first to respond as he wrote: "Thank you for everything, boss. For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch.

"I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows. Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated. Wishing you all the very best, boss."

Teammate Richarlison also had a heart-warming message for his outgoing boss. He said: "Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my carreer and my life.

“Everyone who loves the Spurs will remember that Big Ange always bags trophies in his second season. We've made history! Cheers and good luck on your journey! I'll always be rooting for you."

Fellow forward Dominic Solanke added: "Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy, Won't ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure."

Who should Spurs appoint next? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Lucas Bergvall said: “Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for bringing this club a European trophy and memories to last a lifetime for us and every Spurs fan around the world. Wishing you all the best

“Gaffer, Thankyou for everything! Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club,” defender Micky van de Ven added. “Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us.

“Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that u made me part of it. All the best.”

Tottenham announced the end of Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club on Friday after an awful season and Daniel Levy’s feelings on the Australian appear to be very clear

Ange Postecoglou rounded off his Tottenham tenure with a heartwarming gesture to a fan but was met with silence by Daniel Levy. The Australian departed the club on Friday after two years.

His exit comes just a fortnight after ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League. Spurs have explained that the decision to sack him came due to their awful Premier League campaign.

And while his time in North London is over, one fan in particular will have lasting memories of Postecoglou. According to The Athletic, Spurs supporter Jeremy Conrad met the former Celtic boss and his family while on holiday in Greece following the European success.

He reportedly thanked him for all he had done for the club. Conrad then followed that up by sending a lovely letter and a bottle of wine to Postecoglou’s villa.

Postecoglou was determined to reply in kind. He thanked the supporter at breakfast the next day, while he also handed him a signed shirt with a message reading: “To Jez. Ange. COYS!”

And while that heart-warming gesture will no doubt go down very well with Spurs supporters, chairman Levy has made his feelings on Postecoglou very clear. In the club’s announcement, there were no quotes from Levy despite him having spoken out on the two major departures from the club this summer: coach Ryan Mason and executive director Donna-Maria Cullen.

One the former, he said: "Ryan has been an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur for a number of years, both as a player and a coach. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish him every success for the future."

Meanwhile, Levy penned a lengthy message for Cullen. He wrote: “Donna has made an immense contribution to the Club, over an extensive period. Her diverse responsibilities grew significantly and replacing her roles with a single individual will be impossible.

“While many may associate her primarily with marketing and communications, Donna's impact extends far beyond those areas. Notably, her leadership and political acumen at planning committees, was instrumental in the Club being able to build one of the finest stadiums and training centres in the world.

Did Postecoglou deserve to be sacked? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“She deserves recognition for the contribution she played in the formation of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, which has positively impacted countless individuals in our communities, and in establishing the London Academy of Excellence, providing children with exceptional educational opportunities.

“Donna has pushed the conscience of the Club to be at the forefront of environmental and diversity initiatives. She also played a crucial role in supporting the amateur part-time Spurs Ladies, enabling the development of our professional women’s team.

“Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future.”

Spurs have already launched their search for a new manager, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank at the top of the list. Postecoglou in the meantime will have the summer off following his exit.

The writing was on the wall long before Bilbao. In fact, Ange Postecoglou knew in his heart of hearts that he was going to be sacked no matter the outcome of the Europa League final.

And anyone who suggests differently is not in tune with the soap opera which has been Tottenham’s bizarre season. Postecoglou was a likeable fella, his sound bites were nearly as entertaining as his football but ultimately the Tottenham hierarchy had no alternative but to pull the trigger.

Tottenham feared they would just be repeating the mistake that Manchester United made with Erik ten Hag by getting sucked in by the emotion of winning a cup final.

United were ready to sack ten Hag, the Dutchman won the FA Cup and they stuck with him - only to then get rid of him a few months later.

They wasted time and money by allowing loyalty and sentiment to creep into what had to be a cold hearted decision on the manager.

That was a brutal lesson for Spurs who won their first trophy in 17 years under Big Ange and are back in the Champions League. But what is the point of being there if they end up losing every game?

It is obvious what did for Ange. The 22 defeats in the Premier League and finishing just a place above the drop zone is just unacceptable for Tottenham. The fans loved their European glory and that wonderful night in Bilbao after beating Manchester United. But you days later, they got thumped 4-1 by Brighton. They went from the sublime to the ridiculous. And it had been happening all season.

Make no mistake. Postecoglou never lost the dressing room. He kept motivating them. His tactics were bewildering and naive at times. The players, by the end, were not convinced he could turn it round for next season.

The fans loved Postecoglou in the first half of that first season. They topped the table, were great to watch and yet fell away so badly, ended up in fifth and missed out on a Champions League spot. However, Postecoglou’s reign was more memorable than Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo all put together. It was fun. And the Spurs fans were still torn up until last Christmas.

There were injuries - and didn’t Ange let us know - and, despite a lot of spending, the club did not back him with very good signings.

The Europa League run was the salvation. They could lose at home to Leicester and Ipswich - yet still get past Eintracht Frankfurt. It made no sense.

Postecoglou was also a piece of work. In more than 30 years of covering Spurs games and press conferences, no manager has read every word of every piece like Big Ange. How on earth did he find the time? And do we really matter that much? Yes, according to him.

Postecoglou pulled me up when I wrote on April 7 that he would - and indeed should - be sacked even if Tottenham won the Europa League. It was opinion and also backed up by the “growing feeling” within the club that he would go.

Most managers would go mad. Not Big Ange. He actually went back and said he had no problem with the piece as it reflected the “general sentiment” of how people perceived his situation.

You could not help but like Postecoglou. I did think even a suggestion that he could be a “clown” as one colleague wrote, was so harsh. Postecoglou deserved more respect. But even one diehard season ticket holder, so jubilant after the Europa League final, rang in a fury after the Brighton game.

The party and celebrations did not last long. And that is the risk that Tottenham could not take.

They have to appoint a manager with a stature, determination and gravitas to lead them into the Champions League. Even though Postecoglou won a trophy, it was not enough to save him.

The club, in its statement, said it was a “tough decision.” But the reality was different. The statement said: “Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

“However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games.

“This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign.

“Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.

“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.

“This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”