Mauricio Pochettino makes stance on Tottenham return clear as approach confirmed

Mauricio Pochettino was linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, and has since explained his stance on the job

Mauricio Pochettino has said that he would have managed Tottenham Hotspur in the Championship, had the club have been relegated last season.

The Argentine head coach, who was at the reins of the club between 2014 and 2019, was approached by the club earlier this year, with Thomas Frank struggling to keep the side afloat in the English top flight.

However, Pochettino was in the middle of preparing the US national team for a home World Cup, having since signed a new deal until 2030 as a result of his admiration for the role.

But now, the 54-year-old has explained that he would have taken the job in North London regardless of the division if the timing was right.

Pochettino, speaking via Mirror Football, said: "Yes, of course. Tottenham? Yes, of course. It’s the only club that always I am open to help. Whatever division. Another club, no. But Tottenham, yes."

Pochettino is still adored by loyal supporters of Spurs, and has also previously explained that he would one day like to return.

However, the timing has never been right for him just yet, as was the case when Frank was sacked by the club in February.

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He added: "Yeah but in this moment they called everyone, they called all the coaches! Free and not free!”

Igor Tudor took the reins on an interim basis, but lasted just seven matches before he mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Roberto De Zerbi was then appointed at the end of March, with hopes of turning the tide at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - the club was 17th at the time of his arrival and just a point from the drop zone.

While the Italian head coach was successful in steering the club clear of relegation, finishing the season in the same place and two points ahead of West Ham United, the new season has started slowly.

Despite a summer of big spending on numerous high-profile arrivals like Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Savio and Omar Marmoush, the Lilywhites are still searching for their first win in 2026/27.

An opening day 3-0 humbling to Brentford was followed by a 2-0 rout by Newcastle United, with Spurs saving some face as they held Nottingham Forest to a goalless draw at the City Ground at the weekend.

They now turn their attention to a home clash with Everton on Saturday, September 12 at 5.30pm, as they look to finally kickstart De Zerbi's reign at the club.