If circumstances had unfolded differently, Mauricio Pochettino might have returned to Tottenham Hotspur this past summer. The club reached out to him, igniting a spark of interest. He was undeterred by the possibility of the team being relegated to the Championship.
“Absolutely,” Pochettino affirmed when asked about his willingness to take on a new role in the lower division of English football. “Tottenham is the only club I would always be ready to assist, regardless of the level.”
Timing plays a crucial role in football, and Pochettino found himself contemplating how the stars never aligned during this pivotal moment. This recurring theme has marked his managerial career, as he continues to seek promising opportunities while remaining candid about his ambitions.
After parting ways with Thomas Frank in February, Spurs aimed to finish the season under interim manager Igor Tudor, hoping to evaluate a broader range of candidates afterward. They understood that if Pochettino were to be their choice, they would need to be patient since he was contracted with the US team until after the World Cup. He was committed to that challenge and had no intention of leaving.
However, the situation shifted. Following a disappointing performance by Tudor, which left Spurs precariously close to the relegation zone with only seven matches remaining, the club pivoted toward Roberto De Zerbi. After initially declining Spurs’ overtures, De Zerbi ultimately accepted a long-term offer, thereby closing the door on Pochettino’s return to the club where he had forged a significant bond over five and a half years starting in 2014.
Was Pochettino ever genuinely in contention for the Spurs position? The club has maintained that De Zerbi was their primary target for the summer before they needed to act sooner. The truth may remain elusive. Nonetheless, Pochettino’s candidness regarding such situations contributes to his charm and appeal. In an era where managers are often constrained by media guidelines, his openness is refreshing.
Since he began building his reputation as a forward-thinking coach and engaging leader at Espanyol in 2009, Pochettino has consistently attracted interest from various clubs. Should the US Soccer Federation be concerned? Following the World Cup, he has signed a new four-year contract that extends through to 2030. It might be unwise to dwell on potential departures; instead, the federation should appreciate having one of the game’s elite managers at the helm.
Pochettino has experienced numerous pivotal moments throughout his career. In November 2017, he was linked to the Real Madrid position as Zinedine Zidane faced the threat of dismissal; however, Zidane ultimately secured the Champions League title that season. Just two days before the final against Liverpool, Pochettino committed to a long-term deal with Spurs, only for Zidane to resign five days later. This was not the first or last time Pochettino was associated with Madrid.
Additionally, he has been linked with Manchester United, who considered him when they parted ways with Louis van Gaal in 2016 and again when they dismissed José Mourinho in 2018, opting for Ole Gunnar Solskjær initially before hiring Erik ten Hag in 2022.
Moreover, Pochettino was a candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as the England manager following Euro 2024. He noted that he committed to the US team in August of that year, prior to the FA’s intensified search, which ultimately led to Thomas Tuchel being appointed.
Would Pochettino entertain the idea of managing England in the future? He acknowledges that his Argentinian background could complicate matters due to historical tensions, particularly following the World Cup semi-final, where Argentina triumphed 2-1. Yet, he doesn’t view it as an insurmountable obstacle.
“I respect the sport. While I empathize with my fellow Argentinians, ultimately, it’s just football. The World Cup semi-final was just that—one match, though many want to draw deeper connections.”
Pochettino maintains his family residence in north London and harbors a deep affection for both the city and England. “Argentinians and English people share a similar passion for football,” he remarked. “I also love the countryside here, and I appreciate the cultural values I grew up with in my home country.”
