US men’s manager Mauricio Pochettino says he misses ‘the world of football in England’ amid Tottenham Hotspur relegation fears

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he misses ”the world of football in England”.

Pochettino has managed three teams in the Premier League, having also had spells at Southampton and Chelsea.

The Argentine is currently the head coach of the US men’s national team and is preparing to lead them into a home FIFA World Cup this summer.

But with Spurs mired in a relegation battle – sitting one point above West Ham United in 18th by the March international break – Pochettino has been linked to a return to north London.

And in ⁠an interview with French news outlet L’Equipe, the 54-year-old said that he still holds a fondness for football in the UK.

“I miss the world of football in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture,” Pochettino said.

“For anyone with a competitive spirit who wants to measure themselves against others and test their abilities, it’s the ideal place. You have to constantly give your best.”

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Pochettino was appointed manager of Spurs in 2014 after a successful stint with Southampton.

During his five years there, Spurs qualified for the UEFA Champions League four times and reached the final in 2019. They also finished second in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season.

But he was sacked in November 2019 before going on to manage Paris Saint-Germain for 17 months, winning the French league title, and Chelsea for the 2023-24 season. He began his coaching career at Espanyol in Spain.

When Spurs were searching for a new manager after moving on from Ange Postecoglou last summer, Pochettino ruled him out of contention, saying it was ”not realistic”. He did hint that he would consider a comeback at some point down the line, adding: “If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see.”

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But in his interview with L’Equipe, Pochettino revealed that Spurs – along with other clubs – contacted him in 2021 about a possible return to the Premier League.

“Not just Tottenham, other very big clubs too. With the whole COVID situation, the club situation ⁠created instability,” he said.

Spurs will be searching for a new permanent manager in the summer after sacking Thomas Frank and appointing Igor Tudor on an interim basis.

Spurs face a treacherous end to the Premier League season, with just one point separating themselves from West Ham in 18th position and seven games remaining. Tudor has earned one point from his five games in charge.

For Pochettino, he is tasked with leading the US into the 2026 World Cup, with big things expected in a home tournament, which they will host alongside Canada and Mexico.

The US have been drawn in a group alongside Paraguay, Australia and the winner of the play-off between Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo, and Romania.

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