Ange Postecoglou has addressed speculation about Mauricio Pochettino’s potential return to Tottenham Hotspur, as pressure mounts on the Australian to deliver success in his second season.
Tottenham’s recent form has led to increased scrutiny on Ange Postecoglou’s position, with reports suggesting Spurs have already drawn up a shortlist of potential managerial replacements should they decide to make a change this summer.
Meanwhile, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has openly admitted his desire to return to Tottenham, claiming he has “unfinished business” in north London.
The Argentine, who spent five years at Tottenham, guided them to a Champions League final before being sacked in 2019.
Speaking about his future Tottenham ambitions, Mauricio Pochettino said: “To be honest, the day that I left the club, I was always thinking one day to come back. It is not that I was thinking before the offer from the USA national team; I was thinking to come back.
“The day that I left, I was thinking I would love to one day come back to Tottenham because, like I have said in the past, I felt empty in the moment that I left.
“It was like an unfinished job, and that is why. It is a feeling, it is a dream. I do not know how you can take it or how I can explain it, but for sure, it is a club that is always going to be special for me.
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“And I would like one day to have the possibility again to try to arrive in a situation where we can finish in a different way.”
Ange Postecoglou wants Mauricio Pochettino back at Tottenham one day
Ange Postecoglou was asked by football.london about Mauricio Pochettino’s remarks regarding a potential return to Tottenham. The Australian kept his response measured but didn’t shy away from addressing the situation head-on.
“Mauricio, if he wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations, if that’s what he wants. You’re suggesting that he’s trying to put pressure on me?” he said.
When pressed on whether the timing of the interview was disrespectful given the current situation at Spurs, Postecoglou dismissed any suggestion of offence.
“Well, I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you’d get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was. Again, nothing from me to sort of be consumed with. I’m more focused on trying to make sure we win tomorrow night,” he added.
What next for Spurs and Postecoglou?
Despite being in charge, Postecoglou knows the pressure is on him to deliver tangible success at Spurs, with the Europa League seen as a crucial opportunity to lift silverware.
There are strong suggestions that failure to win the trophy could lead to serious conversations about his future.
However, a Mauricio Pochettino return any time soon seems unlikely for Tottenham. The Argentine is currently managing the US national team and will be preparing for the 2026 World Cup, making an immediate reunion with Spurs improbable.
When comparing both managers’ spells in north London, Pochettino boasts a superior points-per-game record, which could influence Spurs’ thinking should they decide to make a managerial change.
If Tottenham do opt to bring him back, history suggests he is more than capable of leading the club again.