United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Tottenham.
Pochettino, who managed Spurs from 2014 to 2019 and led the club to a Champions League final, has frequently been mentioned as a potential candidate whenever the managerial role at Tottenham becomes vacant. Speaking after the USMNT’s 2–1 friendly loss to Turkey on Saturday, the Argentine was quick to pour cold water on the latest reports.
“Since I left in 2019, my name has been linked with Tottenham every time the position has been open,” Pochettino told reporters. “I’ve seen the rumors – there are always 100 names on the list. We can’t talk about something that, today, is not realistic. I am fully focused on where I am.”
Pochettino took over as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team in September 2024 with the long-term objective of guiding the squad through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. While he acknowledged the emotional connection he still feels toward Spurs, he emphasized that a return to north London is not under consideration at this time.
“Tottenham will always have a special place in my heart,” he added. “But I have a commitment here, and that’s where my attention is.”
Pochettino’s comments come as Spurs begin the search for a new manager following a turbulent end to the 2024–25 season. Despite lifting the Europa League title with a 1–0 victory over Manchester United – their first major trophy since 2008 – Tottenham endured a disastrous domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League and narrowly avoiding relegation.
Sources have told ESPN that Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva are currently among the leading candidates to succeed Postecoglou, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also under consideration.
As for Pochettino, any potential return to Tottenham appears firmly off the table-for now.
