In a recent development, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), has clarified that he will not be returning to Tottenham Hotspur to fill the managerial position vacated by Ange Postecoglou. This announcement comes on the heels of Postecoglou’s dismissal following a dismal Premier League season where Spurs finished in a disappointing 17th place, dangerously close to relegation.
Despite the team’s poor domestic performance, Postecoglou’s tenure was not devoid of achievement. In a significant highlight of his time at the club, the 59-year-old Australian led Tottenham to secure their first piece of silverware in 17 years. This momentous occasion came when Spurs triumphed over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final, a victory that ensured Tottenham’s participation in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The decision to part ways with Postecoglou was made by Spurs’ chairman, Daniel Levy, who has now placed the north London club on the hunt for a new manager. Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham from 2014 until 2019, remains a legendary figure in the club’s modern history. Under his guidance, Spurs reached the pinnacle of European football by making it to the UEFA Champions League final in his last full season in charge, underscoring his capability to elevate the team.
After leaving Tottenham, Pochettino took on managerial roles at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea, before stepping into the position with the USMNT in October 2024. His appointment came as he prepares to oversee the American squad’s campaign in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will take place across several venues in North America—specifically the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At a recent press conference, Pochettino elucidated his reasons for not considering a return to Tottenham at this juncture. “Today it’s not realistic,” he stated, emphasizing the depth of his current commitment to the USMNT and his backroom staff. He acknowledged the persistent rumors linking him to a return to Spurs, mentioning, “Since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumors]. I’ve seen the rumors, there are 100 coaches on the list. Don’t be worried about that.”
While he firmly ruled out an immediate return to Spurs, Pochettino didn’t completely close the door on possibilities for the future. He remarked, “If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see,” indicating that he remains open to revisiting the idea at a later date. For now, his focus is on the present moment, as he is content in his current role and asked for the media to refrain from speculating about potential job changes.
Pochettino’s emotional connection to Tottenham and his past achievements with the club remain evident, even as he dedicates his efforts to leading the USMNT. The duality of a manager woven into the fabric of Tottenham Hotspur’s history while charting a new course for American soccer sets an intriguing backdrop to his ongoing career.
As fans and analysts keep their eyes on both Pochettino and Tottenham Hotspur in the coming weeks, the search for a new manager for Spurs continues. With the club poised to undergo significant changes, the strategic importance of finding a successor who can effectively build on the foundations laid by Pochettino remains a pressing task. Moving forward, the unfolding narrative in both the Premier League and international soccer will be closely watched as speculation swirls and opportunities arise. Fans can catch these developments along with the thrilling action of top leagues and tournaments exclusively on platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+.