Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has confessed « I miss the football scene in England » as he hints at the prospect of returning to Premier League management. Speculation about a potential comeback to north London has been rife since this summer, following Pochettino’s five-year successful stint at Spurs, which culminated in guiding the club to the Champions League final before his departure in 2019.
Post-Spurs, Pochettino has had managerial tenures at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, and he’s currently in charge of United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) ahead of this summer’s home World Cup for the country, co-hosted by Canada and Mexico. Rumours persist regarding the managerial situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Igor Tudor’s future still uncertain.
Tottenham currently lie in 17th place in the Premier League table, a mere point above the relegation zone following their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. This outcome could potentially lead to another managerial change at Tottenham, although it remains uncertain whether this would be another temporary appointment until the summer, given the speculation that Pochettino could be in the running for the role after the World Cup.
However, Pochettino has admitted his affection for the Premier League, having last held a position in England in 2024 when he left Chelsea. “I miss the football scene in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture,” Pochettino told L’Equipe.
“For anyone with a competitive spirit who wants to measure themselves against others and test their limits, it’s the ideal place. Here, you have to give your best constantly.”
Pochettino also discussed previous speculation regarding a potential return to Tottenham, particularly in 2021 when the 54-year-old revealed he was approached by Spurs about a possible reunion whilst at PSG. “Not just Tottenham, other very big clubs too,” Pochettino said. “When that six-month season ended [in 2021], there was a bit of… Well, with this whole COVID situation, the situation at the club created instability. In every area.
“There was a period of change, uncomfortable situations, situations that… didn’t give the impression that it was possible to work in a stable environment, like the one we have today.
“I enjoyed my experience at PSG. But I had other options, which I shared with the club, but they chose not to listen to any of them.” Tottenham have just seven Premier League fixtures remaining to secure their top-flight status, beginning with an away fixture at Sunderland on Sunday, April 12.
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