Mauricio Pochettino has made clear that his new commitment to the United States will not end his hopes of managing in the Premier League again.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager has signed a contract keeping him in charge of the USA until 2030, but he says returning to English football remains one of his ambitions once the next World Cup cycle is complete.
“My dream now is to be in the USA for four years, but after that, why not?” Pochettino said. “We are still young, and I think coming back is always my goal; to win the Premier League, to be in the Premier League and to build a project with the possibility of winning.”
He added: “I love the football here. I think to have the chance again is one of my wishes and I hope that happens.”
Pochettino insists Spurs return was never close
Pochettino’s future became the subject of speculation after the USA’s World Cup campaign, with several clubs reportedly considering him for managerial vacancies.
Tottenham were among those linked with their former head coach, who led the club to the 2019 Champions League final and came close to delivering their first Premier League title. However, Pochettino said a return to north London never developed into a serious possibility.
“People talk and maybe we receive some approach, but it never was close,” he said.
The Argentine remains open to the idea of managing Spurs again in the future, saying: “Always I say, one day, why not?”
He also confirmed that other clubs had shown interest during the summer, but said he and his coaching staff had deliberately avoided entering negotiations while preparing for the World Cup.
“We were not open during the World Cup to talk with different clubs that were interested,” Pochettino said. “We never gave the opportunity to be close. We always closed the door before it got close.”
His decision to remain with the USA was formally announced by the United States Soccer Federation in August. The new agreement also gives Pochettino and his staff a broader role in the development of the country’s national-team structure, including youth football, coaching education and links with professional leagues.
The deal follows a notable World Cup campaign in which the USA won a knockout match for the first time since 2002 before losing 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16.
Pochettino said the tournament had strengthened his belief in the project and left him and his staff better equipped for the challenges ahead.
“We are much better coaches now,” he said, pointing to the importance of detailed preparation and the difficulty of imposing a club-style philosophy on players who spend relatively little time together.
The tournament also brought controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted in time for the Belgium match. Pochettino said the incident had threatened to overshadow the football but that his priority had been to focus on the decision once FIFA confirmed the striker was available.
Balogun was later unable to complete a proposed move from Monaco to Everton on deadline day. Pochettino said he had given the forward space following the collapse of the transfer and admitted he would have liked to see him return to the Premier League.
Pochettino assesses Tottenham and Chelsea
Pochettino believes Tottenham’s decision to spend heavily on players with Premier League experience represents a significant change in strategy after a difficult period.
He stopped short of predicting whether the approach would succeed, saying the club would need time to assess the results. But he made clear that Tottenham still held a special place in his thoughts.
“It’s a different strategy and a different way to operate,” he said. “I always wish the best for Tottenham because it’s in my heart.”
At Chelsea, meanwhile, Pochettino has noticed a similar emphasis on immediate Premier League readiness rather than long-term projects. He suggested that the recruitment policy could allow the club to challenge for major honours, while urging supporters to be patient with Xabi Alonso.
“Of course they are disappointed after the defeat against Arsenal, but I think we need to give time to Xabi’s first season after three games in the Premier League,” he said. “I think we need to give time, and of course for Tottenham the same.”
For now, Pochettino’s focus is on building a new four-year cycle with the USA. But his message to English football was unequivocal: his Premier League story is not finished.
