Mauricio Pochettino to attend Tottenham Champions League match amid reunion links | OneFootball

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be in attendance as his old club face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Spurs are set to play Atletico at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

The venue holds a poignant significance for Tottenham, as it was the site of their 2019 Champions League final defeat under Pochettino’s management.

The Press Association understands the 54-year-old will attend the match as a guest of Atletico.

Currently the United States boss, Pochettino will have the opportunity to observe America midfielder Johnny Cardosa, alongside keeping an eye on his former team.

Tottenham supporters chanted Pochettino’s name during their 2-1 home loss to Newcastle, which proved to be Thomas Frank’s final game at the helm, and the Argentinian coach has frequently been linked with a return to the north London club since his departure in 2019.

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Pochettino famously led Tottenham to the Champions League final in Madrid in 2019 (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Archive)

Pochettino is slated to lead the USA at this summer’s home World Cup, though his contract is due to expire following the tournament’s conclusion.

Since Frank’s sacking last month, Spurs’ fortunes have failed to improve under interim boss Igor Tudor.

Tottenham have lost all three of their matches against Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace with Tudor on the touchline, and are now just one point above the relegation zone with nine games remaining.

The trip to Madrid could be a welcome distraction as Spurs aim to build on their strong European form which saw them finish fourth in the league phase table, after winning the Europa League last season.

Tottenham are due to play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg against Atletico, before they face a massive clash against fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest at home on 22 March in their final match before the international break.