Mauricio Pochettino: Ex-Tottenham boss teases Premier League return after Spurs approach

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have approached him about re-joining the club, while admitting he “misses” English football.

Pochettino enjoyed a successful stint at Tottenham between July 2014 and November 2019, as he turned the north London team into a side capable of competing for trophies.

Mere months after guiding Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, though, the Argentine was sacked after a slow start to the following season.

Speculation has mounted that Pochettino will return to Tottenham in 2026, with his contract with the United States national team expiring after this summer’s World Cup.

Former Chelsea manager Pochettino’s chances of heading to Tottenham are highly unlikely if they get relegated this season, but he has not ruled out a Premier League return one day.

Tottenham eyed quick Mauricio Pochettino return

Following his Tottenham dismissal, Pochettino did not return to management until January 2021, when Paris Saint-Germain signed him on an 18-month deal.

Jose Mourinho succeeded the 54-year-old at Tottenham, and within his first six months at the French giants, Pochettino claims Tottenham contacted him about a possible return.

When asked about Spurs’ interest in 2021, he told L’Equipe: “Not just Tottenham. Other very big clubs, too.”

In April 2021, Tottenham sacked Mourinho and appointed Ryan Mason as interim boss until the end of the season.

They eyed a top manager for the 2021-22 season, before settling for Nuno Espirito Santo, as they failed to land Pochettino.

Antonio Conte then took up the reins that November.

Pochettino added that the coronavirus pandemic created “instability in every area” at PSG, and while he enjoyed his time there, the former Southampton boss felt it was right to leave in the summer of 2022.

While the World Cup is his immediate focus, Pochettino made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League again.

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.”

Pochettino would be wise to avoid Tottenham mess

Although Tottenham are Europa League champions, the club that Pochettino left in late 2019 is very different from the one that is in danger of being relegated to the Championship this term.

Igor Tudor is currently interim boss, but after Tottenham’s humbling 3-0 loss to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday in North London, there is no guarantee the Croatian will be in charge when the Premier League returns next month.

Tottenham haven’t won in the league since beating Crystal Palace on 28 December, back when Thomas Frank was still in charge.

Spurs are one point and one place above the relegation zone, and looking at their remaining games, it is hard to see where the wins will come from.

Tricky fixtures against Europe-chasing Sunderland, Brighton, and Everton lie ahead, as do games against Champions League hopefuls Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Even if Tottenham survive, Pochettino would do better to look elsewhere.

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