Mauricio Pochettino has ruled himself out of the running to replace Ange Postecoglou, saying a return to Tottenham Hotspur at this time is “not realistic.”
Postecoglou was sacked on Friday despite guiding Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years with victory in the Europa League.
Pochettino, who managed Spurs from 2014 to 2019 and led them to a Champions League final, has been linked with a sensational return to north London. But the Argentine, now head coach of the United States men’s national team, dismissed the speculation.
“Today it’s not realistic,” said the 53-year-old Pochettino. “Look where I am. Look where we [his staff] are. The answer is so clear.
“I think since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumours]. I’ve seen the rumours; there are 100 coaches on the list. Don’t worry about that.
“If something happens in the future, you’ll see. But I’m very happy right now, and we cannot talk about this type of thing.”
Pochettino made the comments following the USMNT’s 2-1 defeat to Turkey in Connecticut, their third consecutive loss under his leadership. He currently has a record of five wins and four defeats in nine matches.
The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
During his five-year spell at Tottenham, Pochettino helped Tottenham finish second in the Premier League in 2016/17 and reach the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is considered a top candidate to replace Postecoglou, with Fulham’s Marco Silva also under consideration.
