Mauricio Pochettino has distanced himself from a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur following the club’s sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou. The Argentine, now head coach of the United States national team, insisted a reunion with the North London club is “not realistic” at this time.
Speaking after the United States’ 2-1 friendly loss to Turkey in Connecticut, Pochettino addressed speculation linking him with the vacancy at Spurs, following Postecoglou’s dismissal on Friday. Despite winning the Europa League — Tottenham’s first major trophy in 17 years — Postecoglou was let go after failing to secure Champions League qualification and overseeing a poor end to the Premier League campaign.
Pochettino, who previously managed Spurs from 2014 to 2019, enjoyed a successful five-year spell in charge. Under his leadership, Tottenham reached the Champions League final in 2019 and finished second in the Premier League in 2017. His departure, however, came after a run of poor form, and he has since had managerial stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Now leading the US national team as they prepare to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Pochettino insists his focus remains firmly on the American project.
“Today it’s not realistic,” the 53-year-old said when asked about a possible return to Spurs. “Look where I am. Look where we are as a staff. The answer is very clear.
“Since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list whenever there is a managerial change. I’ve seen the rumours — we’re probably one of a hundred names linked. But I’m happy with where I am now, and I don’t think it’s the time to speak about these things.”
Appointed as USMNT head coach in October 2024, Pochettino’s early tenure has seen mixed results. His record currently stands at five wins and four defeats from nine matches. The team’s recent form has raised questions, especially given the high expectations as the United States prepares to host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
Nevertheless, Pochettino seems committed to the long-term vision with the U.S., downplaying any possibility of a premature exit.
“If something happens in the future, we’ll see,” he added. “But right now, I’m fully committed to the task ahead. We have a huge tournament coming up, and that’s where all of our energy is going.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham have already begun the search for Postecoglou’s successor. Brentford manager Thomas Frank is reportedly a leading candidate, known for his tactical acumen and ability to work within tight financial structures. Fulham’s Marco Silva is also under consideration, having impressed with his work in west London.
In other news from the club, veteran defender Ben Davies has extended his contract until the summer of 2026. The 32-year-old Welsh international, who joined Spurs in 2014, is now the club’s longest-serving senior player. He has made 358 appearances in all competitions and remains a reliable presence in the squad.
“I’m proud to continue my journey with Tottenham,” Davies said in a club statement. “I’ve been through many highs and lows here, and I still believe in the direction the club is heading.”
With managerial uncertainty looming and a rebuild possibly on the horizon, Tottenham find themselves at yet another crossroads. While Pochettino’s return may have stirred fan nostalgia, the club will need to look elsewhere as they attempt to navigate the post-Postecoglou era and build for the future.
