Mauricio Pochettino: Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss opens door to Premier League return as early as 2026

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·6 November 2025

Mauricio Pochettino: Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss opens door to Premier League return as early as 2026

The Argentine left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent in 2024

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to a surprise Premier League return after the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino served as Spurs’ head coach for five years before joining Chelsea in 2023. He left west London by mutual agreement the following year, later setting up shop as head coach of the United States national team.

OneFootball Videos

He has seen mixed results with the Eagles, winning 11 of his 20 matches in charge. With his USMNT contract due to expire after next summer’s World Cup - which will be hosted in the United States - he said there was no reason why he shouldn’t take up another job in England.

“Maybe it’s possible, yes,” he told TalkSport when asked if he could return to the Premier League.

“My challenge for the future is the World Cup and being now focused on the USA national team, maybe I come back one day to the Premier League.”

He continued, suggesting he has unfinished business with Tottenham: “We were so close with Tottenham to winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea with a 53 per cent win rate

AFP via Getty Images

“We wanted to win the Premier League and the Champions League because Tottenham is a club that deserves these types of titles, these types of trophies.

“And yes, why not one day come back to the Premier League.

“For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world, the most competitive. I don't see this as an unfinished show, but I think why not to have the possibility again to challenge and to be involved in the Premier League and to challenge for the big things?”

A return to Chelsea seems unlikely, though. Pochettino left the club by mutual agreement after an apparent falling out with club hierarchy, and was replaced by Enzo Maresca.

The Argentine said that while he maintains a good relationship with the Blues, they have moved in a new direction since he departed.

“Yes, I think Chelsea is in a different project than it was in the past and I wish all the best. I spent a very good time there.

“I keep a very good relationship with the people, with players there. We split, but I think the relationship there is good.

“I wish all the best and, and of course, a lot of young young players with amazing talent for sure. Sometimes there’s ups and downs, but I think they achieved very good things last season.

“They are involved in the Champions League and of course in the Premier League, close to the top four.

“I think for sure they are going to be a team that is going to challenge for big things.”