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Mauricio Pochettino has expressed confidence that his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, will avoid relegation from the Premier League, even as his primary focus remains on leading the United States at the upcoming World Cup.
The 54-year-old Argentine is currently preparing to guide the tournament’s co-hosts when the World Cup commences on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
His name has recently resurfaced in connection with the vacant managerial position at Spurs, who are actively seeking a permanent head coach following the dismissal of Thomas Frank in February.
Interim boss Igor Tudor also departed the London club on Sunday. Former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has since taken over as head coach.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Portugal, Pochettino reflected on his time at the club.
“With my connection to Tottenham, it’s impossible to feel nothing about Tottenham, about the club, the people that work there, and about the fans. That was one of the best experiences of my life,” he stated.
Mauricio Pochettino led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019 (PA Archive)
He added: “That’s my wish, and I am sure they’re going to stay up, with a coach or without a coach, because of the players. I think there are the players and then it’s a club with fans that are going to make everything to create the energy to win…”
Pochettino has enjoyed three spells in the Premier League, beginning with Southampton before a five-year stint at Spurs, where he established them as regular top-four contenders and led them to the 2019 Champions League final. He returned to England for a single season with Chelsea.
Spurs are in danger of being relegated from England’s top flight for the first time since 1977, sitting one point and one place above the relegation zone after 31 games and without a league win since December.
“At the moment, I think we are very, very focused, full focus here on the World Cup. I think everyone knows that I am committed to the national team here. I think it’s not a point to talk about the future at the moment,” Pochettino added.
“Never, say never. In football, everything can happen.”