Pochettino rules out Tottenham return: ‘Not realistic right now’

Tottenham return is unrealistic – Pochettino

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Tottenham Hotspur, saying a comeback is “not realistic” at this time.

The Argentine tactician, who led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019, has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked last Friday despite winning the Europa League.

Speaking after the USMNT’s 2-1 loss to Turkey in Connecticut, Pochettino said:

“Today it’s not realistic. Look where I am. Look where we are as a staff. The answer is so clear.”

Appointed in October 2024, Pochettino has guided the US to five wins and four losses in nine games. The team is in preparation for hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

“I’ve seen the rumours—my name is always on the list since I left in 2019,” Pochettino added. “But I am happy right now, and we cannot talk about this type of thing.”

Pochettino enjoyed a successful five-year spell at Tottenham, leading the club to second in the Premier League in 2017 and a historic Champions League final appearance in 2019. He was dismissed later that year and has since managed Paris Saint-Germain before taking the US national job.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank remains a leading candidate for the vacant Spurs role, with Fulham’s Marco Silva also under consideration.

In related news, Spurs defender Ben Davies has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2026. The 32-year-old Welsh international is Tottenham’s longest-serving player, with 358 appearances since joining from Swansea in 2014.