Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. men's soccer team, 53, still holds affection for Tottenham. He also wishes to return someday in the distant future.
Pochettino noted in an interview with Sky Sports on the 18th (Korea time), "I said that I want to return someday when I left Tottenham. My feelings have not changed even now" and added, "Since I am currently in charge in the U.S., I will refrain from further comments, but even as time passes, my affection for Tottenham remains strong."
He conveyed that he has maintained a good relationship with Chairman Daniel Levy since leaving Tottenham. Pochettino explained, "We shared many moments over nearly six years together. We shared joys and difficulties, and there were emotionally challenging times as well. We parted ways in a good manner and separate our professional relationship from our personal relationship. We have maintained a good relationship until now since I left."
Pochettino took the helm at Tottenham after leaving Southampton in 2014. He led the team for five and a half years until he was dismissed in November 2019, competing for the top spots in the Premier League. During the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, he recorded a runner-up and a third-place finish, respectively, and in the 2018-2019 season, he reached the UEFA Champions League final, achieving the best result in the club's history.
He demonstrated his ability to develop young players, leading the growth of key players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Son Heung-min. Son faced difficulties adapting in his first season with Pochettino but established himself as a key striker, scoring double digits from the 2016-2017 season. In the 2018-2019 season, he played a significant role in reaching the final by scoring multiple goals against Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals. At that time, Pochettino warmly embraced Son and praised him, saying, "You did it. You are a world-class player."
However, Tottenham fell into a slump during the 2019-2020 season. The summer transfer window lacked sufficient reinforcements, and injuries led to a decline in performance, with only three wins in 12 league matches, falling to 14th place. Their performance in the Champions League also failed to meet expectations. Eventually, Tottenham dismissed Pochettino in November 2019 and appointed José Mourinho as his successor.
Pochettino received recognition for his leadership on the European stage thereafter. In 2021, he took the reins at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and won the Ligue 1 title. He joined Chelsea as head coach in the summer of 2023 but left the team after just one season.
He is currently leading the U.S. men's soccer team. Since taking office in September last year, he has achieved five wins in six matches, demonstrating a stable start. His U.S. team is set to face Panama in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League on the 20th.
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