United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has poured cold water on rumors that he could return to Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou.
On Friday, the Premier League giants announced they had sacked the Australian, despite him breaking a 17-year title drought for the club with Europa League success against Manchester United.
Answering a question from the Daily Mail after a 2-1 loss to Turkey in Connecticut, Pochettino indicated that the rumors were not realistic and that his name was one of many linked with the job.
‘I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumors],’ Pochettino said in the press conference.
‘I’ve seen the rumors, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don’t be worried about that. If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing.
‘Today it’s not realistic, look where I am, look where we are. The answer is so clear.’
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino called his links to the vacancy at Tottenham ‘unrealistic’
Pochettino took Tottenham all the way to the Champions League final back in 2019
While not an outright denial, it does indicate Pochettino’s happiness with the USMNT – especially after a press conference where the manager praised his squad’s performance in spite of the defeat to a full-strength Turkish side.
Pochettino is set to play one more tune-up game (Tuesday night in Nashville against Switzerland) before embarking on a journey through the Gold Cup – CONCACAF’s premier international competition.
The Argentine was officially hired back in October 2024 at an event in New York City, making him the most well-renowned coaching hire in the history of the men’s national team.
Ange Postecoglou was sacked this week despite breaking Spurs’ long trophy drought
However, results have been inconsistent. Under Pochettino, the USMNT has won five matches and lost four, including both games in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Pochettino is highly regarded amongst many Spurs fans, having brought them to the 2019 Champions League final.
Since departing for other clubs, Pochettino has always been rumored to potentially return to White Hart Lane.
Those rumors have spiked back up again following Postecoglou’s departure. Other betting favorites for the job include Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner.