Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on bringing their former boss Mauricio Pochettino back to the club.
According to an exclusive by Lucas Arnold from TBR Football, the Argentine is in serious contention to stage a return to North London, with Ange Postecoglou’s future in major doubt.
Despite languishing in the lower echelons of the Premier League, Spurs could yet qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season by winning the Europa League.
Whilst a European title would undoubtedly earn the Australian some credit, it remains to be seen whether it would paper over the cracks enough to satisfy Daniel Levy after a dismal domestic campaign.
Europa League success would equally lure Pochettino into the potential of a return, should Spurs finally run out of patience with the colourful Aussie.
Summer of Change Expected at Tottenham Hotspur
After a long, hard struggle for the most part this season, it has felt as though Ange Postecoglou was skating on increasingly thin ice. But it now seems extremely unlikely that the 59-year-old will be in the dugout at the start of next season.
Spurs owner Daniel Levy has reportedly hinted to Postecoglou that an exit could be on the cards. Club sources reportedly told TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey that he has been informed that other candidates are being explored behind the scenes.
Spurs are currently on course to record one of their worst ever Premier League seasons to date, having featured in every edition. It has been widely suggested that had it not been for the struggles of the three promoted sides, Tottenham would have been at major risk of relegation this season.
Having lost 18 of his first 33 league matches this season, it’s remarkable that a club of Spurs stature has maintained the faith for so long. Especially in the current managerial climate and taking into account the manner of certain defeats.
They are even on course to set an unwanted club record for most defeats in a league campaign.
Will Pochettino be the Spurs saviour again
Despite being sacked by Daniel Levy in 2019, he has remained in close contact with Pochettino ever since. The 53-year-old is believed to be the ideal candidate, and would be delighted to return to N17.
The current boss of the USA national team has also taken charge at Paris Saint-Germain and Spurs’ bitter rivals Chelsea since his first stint in North London. Even his spell at Stamford Bridge wasn’t enough to break his very close bond with the Spurs board.
Their former favourite is not the only under contract manager that is currently being considered for the role. Also high on the list of suitors are bosses currently under contract at clubs higher in the Premier League table. Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank are all thought to be on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur.
With a home World Cup just over a year away for the USA, pressure is mounting on Pochettino after a string of poor results. While managing a country as they host their own World Cup is a challenge befitting of Mauricio Pochettino, the USA are unlikely to rest on their laurels as the tournament draws closer.
If he isn’t feeling the love stateside, the temptation to take the Tottenham job, where the love for him is unwavering, may become an offer too good to refuse.
His first stint at Spurs saw him lead them to their maiden Champions League final, as well as to second place in the Premier League behind Leicester City. After a season of major struggle, it’s little wonder that Levy is eyeing a return for the man who led them to their best ever Premier League finish.