Mauricio Pochettino makes decision on returning to Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou's future as Tottenham manager has been the subject of intense speculation this week following a run of six defeats and one draw across their last seven Premier League games
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorThe prospect of Mauricio Pochettino making an emotional return to Tottenham is very unlikely, despite mounting pressure on Ange Postecoglou.
Pochettino, 52, was appointed USA manager last year and plans to lead them into the 2026 World Cup which they'll co-host with neighbours Canada and Mexico. The Argentine, who was sacked by Spurs in 2019, had been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the end of last season.
With Pochettino still adored by sections of the Tottenham fan base, he's been touted as a potential replacement for beleaguered boss Postecoglou. The Aussie-Greek coach has led Spurs to six defeats and one draw across their last seven Premier League games, leaving them 15th in the table.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has decided to stick with Postecoglou for now but his position may well become untenable if results don't improve soon. If the ex-Celtic boss were to be sacked, however, it's unlikely that Pochettino would be in the running.
The Mail report that the Pochettino is fully committed to his role with USA and he's focussed on leading them at the World Cup. In addition, a series of clauses in Pochettino's contract with US Soccer would reportedly make a return to Tottenham extremely difficult to engineer.
While he was still in charge of Chelsea in November 2023, Pochettino refused to rule out a return to Spurs, saying: "Who knows? It's like life, you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. We need to enjoy today and not look too much in the future. But, for sure, if I'm not working, [and] maybe if they want me one day … why not?"
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As for Levy's stance, the Tottenham chief told the Evening Standard after axing Pochettino: "You have to understand I had built up a personal relationship with Mauricio over five-and-a-half years. "It is not something I ever wanted. Personally, it was incredibly difficult, I told him that and he understood.
"He's been in football [a long time], he understands. It's not personal and I'm sure he'll come back stronger and get an opportunity to manage another great club. Maybe one day he'll come back to us."
Postecoglou, meanwhile, is determined to turn things around, starting with Thursday's Europa League clash at home to Swedish side Elfsborg. A win would guarantee Spurs a place in the last 16.
"It doesn't affect me (speculation around his future)," Postecoglou told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "It never has - it never will. I don't have to respond to that or get involved with that. We're in a great position to still achieve something really special this year."
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