Mauricio Pochettino, the current coach of the US national soccer team, has openly expressed his yearning to return to Tottenham Hotspur, his former club, where he enjoyed significant success before his departure in 2019. In an interview with British media outlet Sky Sports on March 18, 2025, Pochettino reflected on his coaching journey and solidified his enduring affection for Tottenham.
Pochettino's tenure at Tottenham began in May 2014, leading the team to remarkable feats, including a runner-up finish in the English Premier League (EPL) during the 2016-17 season and a spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final in the 2018-19 season. His strategic oversight transformed the squad, turning players like Son Heung-min into world-class talents. In fact, it was under Pochettino that Son flourished, ultimately solidifying his place among the elite in football.
As Pochettino prepares the US team for the upcoming 2026 North American World Cup, he acknowledged the profound excitement he feels about coaching internationally. "I’m very excited about leading the national team and it was a truly right decision for me... It’s really exciting to discover new emotions every day," Pochettino stated, highlighting the thrill of diving into the unfamiliar challenges of national team management.
Yet, amid his enthusiasm for his current role, Pochettino reflects on his past. He reminisced about his time at Tottenham, stating, "I remember saying in an interview when I left the club, 'I want to return to Tottenham someday.'" This sentiment has not diminished, even years later, highlighting his desire to return to a place he fondly remembers.
After his time at Tottenham, Pochettino managed two high-profile teams: Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Each role brought its unique challenges, but the hallmark of his coaching—an emphasis on player development and team cohesion—remained central to his philosophy. Leading the US national team, he faces the immense task of building a squad capable of performing at a world-class level on home soil during the 2026 World Cup, marking the second time the US will host the tournament.
With expectations riding high for both the national team and the upcoming World Cup, Pochettino's focus is as much on preparing the squad for international competition as it is on carrying out his wish to elevate American soccer to new heights. The anticipation surrounding the 2026 World Cup is palpable, and Pochettino acknowledges the significance of this opportunity: "It’s a big responsibility, but I also see it as a chance to contribute to the development of American soccer. I hope to help it grow and flourish."
While the prospect of returning to Tottenham seems less likely given his current commitments, Pochettino's legacy at the club and his ongoing passion for it is unmistakable. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been positively mentioned by Pochettino, noting their mutual respect and gratitude towards one another. Pochettino stated, "We have a great relationship. I respect him and I'm thankful for everything we achieved together."
As Pochettino steers the US team into the thrilling challenge of a home World Cup, his fondness for Tottenham remains deeply rooted. The narrative of his career continues to unfold—each chapter filled with new opportunities and old memories, with the question of a possible return to Tottenham lingering in the backdrop, a reflection of a coach who made an indelible mark in North London.
The upcoming qualifiers for the World Cup will test Pochettino's strategic acumen and ability to lead a team comprising vibrant young talents and seasoned players. As he takes this journey, fans will be watching, both in the US and at his old stomping grounds of Tottenham, waiting to see where his career leads next.
