NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that he would like to return to Tottenham sometime in the future.
The current head coach of the US men’s national team remains one of the most beloved figures in Spurs’ recent history after a transformative five-year spell at the club between 2014 and 2019.
An emotional connection to North London
Despite his recent managerial roles at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Pochettino has never hidden his deep-seated love for Tottenham.
The Argentine spent over five years in charge of the Lilywhites, leading them to a Champions League final and consistently challenging at the top of the Premier League table, and he clearly feels his history with the club has an unfinished chapter.
In an interview with FourFourTwo about his relationship with the club and its supporters, Pochettino was candid about how he views his time in north London.
“Tottenham feels like home. Of course I would return if the conditions were right. It’s a club that will always be in my heart,” he admitted, sparking fresh speculation whether a second stint could eventually be on the cards for the 54-year-old manager.
Reflecting on the Tottenham journey
Pochettino’s tenure at Spurs was defined by the development of young talents such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli, as well as the transition to the club’s state-of-the-art new stadium. Although he failed to win a trophy during his time there, the brand was football and
Prior to Pochettino’s arrival, Tottenham had only secured Champions League qualification once in the Premier League era, but under his leadership the club transformed into a mainstay among Europe’s elite with four consecutive qualifications.
This transformative era reached its peak in the 2016-17 season, when Spurs challenged for the title and secured a record second-place finish with 86 points. They also embarked on an exciting run to the 2019 Champions League final, ultimately losing to Liverpool.
The right conditions for a reunion
Pochettino’s coaching profile has matured significantly since 2019, having added silverware to his CV with the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions titles at Paris Saint-Germain, as well as leading the USA to second place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
These various experiences, including his challenging tenure at Chelsea, have shaped a more experienced manager who would only return to Spurs if the project aligns with his evolving ambitions.
TOPSHOT – Real Sociedad’s American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo (C) and Real Sociedad’s players celebrate with the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) trophy at San Sebastian City Hall on April 20, 2026. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP via Getty Images)
What comes next?
For now, Pochettino’s immediate priority is the massive task of preparing the United States for a home World Cup, a project he is fully committed to as he leads a ‘golden generation’ of American talent.
“Right now it’s about enjoying the World Cup,” added Pochettino. “After that I always said that I was so close to winning the Premier League and the Champions League and would like to try again. I want to be part of a project with the ambition to win both.”
Should Pochettino decide to leave after the World Cup, a potential replacement could be Real Sociedad’s Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Matarazzo recently became the first American-born manager to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues after winning the Copa del Rey with Sociedad four months after being appointed.
Meanwhile, Spurs are in the midst of a terrible season, currently languishing in 18th place and fighting a desperate battle to avoid relegation with just five games remaining.
In a last-ditch effort to secure their Premier League survival, the club recently appointed Roberto De Zerbi, who has committed to a five-year contract with no break clause should Spurs be relegated.
