Mauricio Pochettino isn't interested in all the noise linking him back to Tottenham. The Argentine coach has made it crystal clear – his eyes are firmly set on leading the United States at the upcoming World Cup, not on a romantic return to north London.
The rumors started swirling again after Spurs went through another managerial shake-up. But Poch, who took charge of the USMNT in September 2024, isn't biting. Speaking to Radiogaceta de los Deportes, he brushed off the speculation like he's done countless times before.
"There are always rumours, I'm always linked with other clubs. With Tottenham, just as at the time I was linked with Espanyol, or with other clubs," Pochettino said. It's clear he's heard this song before.
Why Tottenham Fans Still Love Poch
You can't blame Spurs supporters for dreaming about his return. Pochettino gave Tottenham some of their best years in recent memory. He took them to the Champions League final in 2019 and turned them into genuine Premier League contenders.
Even though things ended badly in 2019 during a rough patch, fans haven't forgotten what he built. His spell at Chelsea last season didn't change how many Tottenham supporters feel about him either. The connection runs deep.
Since leaving Tottenham, Pochettino has managed Paris Saint-Germain and now the United States. Each step has added to his resume and prepared him for different challenges.
What Happens After the World Cup?
Here's where things get interesting for betting markets and future managerial moves. Pochettino admitted his contract with the US ends right after the World Cup. That timing could shake up several big clubs looking for a proven manager.
"We are focused on the World Cup, in the United States. My contract ends after the World Cup, so we'll see what happens after that," he explained. Translation: after the tournament, all bets are off.
Pochettino also understands why his name keeps coming up. "When things are not going well, people tend to get emotional and say, 'Well, with Mauricio we played good football,'" he noted. It's a fair point – struggling teams always look back at their glory days.
British reports say there's been zero contact between Pochettino and Tottenham so far. No phone calls, no secret meetings, nothing formal or informal. The coach still lives in England though, which could make any future move easier to arrange.
For now, Pochettino has one massive job ahead: preparing the United States for a home World Cup. It's one of the biggest challenges of his career, and he's not letting club football distract him. After the tournament ends? That's when things could get very interesting indeed.
