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Football Insider

Pochettino's Premier League Desire: A Return to Unfinished Business

Mauricio Pochettino, now at the helm of the USMNT, reveals his longing to return to the Premier League, driven by his near-miss with Tottenham. Despite being fully immersed in leading the national team to the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino's heart still lingers in England's top flight.

Pochettino's Premier League Desire: A Return to Unfinished Business

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has admitted to harbouring a desire to make a Premier League return after coming "so close" to winning the title with Tottenham. The Argentine has confessed that he still feels the pull of the English top flight, even as he prepares to lead the United States men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.The Argentine, now quite well settled into his new role as the manager of the USMNT, revealed that he still dreams of returning to the English top flight, a league where he came agonisingly close to winning major honours with Tottenham. His tenure in north London ended abruptly in November 2019, just months after guiding Spurs to their first Champions League final. His five-and-a-half years at the club yielded 293 matches, significant progress and a squad that, for a brief period, seemed capable of redefining Tottenham's modern history. Yet his departure left a lingering sense of what might have been.Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Pochettino - who also managed Chelsea - admitted that he still watches the Premier League religiously. When asked whether he misses it, the 52-year-old said: "Yeah, I watch a lot. The Premier League is the best in the world. Of course, I miss it. I am so happy in the USA, but I am always thinking about returning one day. It is the most competitive league, and of course, I would love to come back again."Pressed on what remains at the top of his personal wish list as a coach, Pochettino’s answer revealed a hint of longing. He said: "Talking about the Premier League, and we are in London... to win the Premier League and the Champions League. We were so close in Tottenham. I want to achieve this. I am still young, I have the energy, experience and motivation to try in the future. Outside, to make my family feel proud - my sons, my wife, my dog, my horses, my mum and dad, my granddaughter..."The manager revealed that he is still in touch with Daniel Levy, the former Tottenham chairman, who vacated his post earlier this year. "I was very surprised (by Levy's exit). We still keep in touch," he said. "Our relationship was always good. His legacy is there. It's amazing what he did for the club. We're in contact and one day I'd like to share a coffee with him. He made it a possibility for me to manage a club like Tottenham - one of the best clubs in the world with an amazing fanbase. I'm very grateful to him and proud to be part of the family of Tottenham."This is not the first time that Pochettino has spoken about his desire to return to the Premier League. Back in March, he told talkSPORT of taking in a second spell at Tottenham: "To be honest, the day that I left the club always I was thinking one day to come back. It's 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 told in the past, I said for me, I felt empty in the moment that I left. It was like an unfinished job and that is why. It's a feeling, it's a feeling, it's a dream."I don't know how you can take or I can explain or describe but I think for sure it's a club that is always going to be special for me. And I would like to one day to have the possibility again to try to arrive in a situation that we are back to finish in a different way."Since taking charge in September 2024, Pochettino has tried to reshape a USMNT side that holds massive potential to shine on the global stage. There will be pressure on him to deliver the goods at the World Cup next summer at home after being drawn in Group D along with Australia, Paraguay, and a third team, which will be one of Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo or Romania. However, his contract is due to expire following the World Cup, and given the constant managerial turnover in the Premier League and Pochettino’s proven track record of elevating young squads, the prospect of him returning feels increasingly plausible.

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The Temptation of the Premier League

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, having led Tottenham to the cusp of glory, admits to yearning for a return to the Premier League. Reflecting on his time at Spurs, where he steered them to a Champions League final, Pochettino acknowledges the allure of England's competitive football landscape.

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A Dream Unfulfilled

In an interview with the BBC, Pochettino confesses to keeping a close eye on the Premier League and missing the thrill of its intensity. Despite his contentment in the US, he admits that thoughts of returning one day persist, driven by his desire to capture the Premier League and Champions League titles.

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A Bond with Tottenham

Pochettino maintains a strong connection with his former club and its ex-chairman, Daniel Levy. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to manage Tottenham, he reveals a desire to reunite over coffee with Levy, underscoring the lasting impact the club has had on him.

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The Longing for Redemption

Having left Tottenham with a sense of unfinished business, Pochettino articulates his yearning to return one day and complete what he started. His emotional attachment to the club, coupled with a desire to leave a lasting legacy, fuels his aspiration to pave a different path in a potential second spell.

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A Dual Focus: USMNT and Beyond

While focusing on steering the USMNT towards success at the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino's tenure is set to conclude post-tournament. With speculation rife about a Premier League return, his proven pedigree in nurturing young talent stirs anticipation of a potential comeback to England's footballing stage.

Published on Dec 6, 2025