Mauricio Pochettino could 'force' Tottenham into Roberto De Zerbi sack decision
Mauricio Pochettino may have piled the pressure on Roberto De Zerbi after hinting he could make a return to Tottenham Hotspur.
The USA national team manager has never made any secret of his desire to return to North London one day, after the successful spell he enjoyed there between 2014 and 2019.
His latest comments have come amid ongoing frustrations at Tottenham aimed towards the manager, as they remain winless and goalless after four Premier League games.
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Pochettino's comments could ramp up the pressure and force Spurs into a decision over De Zerbi's future.
Despite being reluctant to part ways with the boss after heavily backing him during the summer transfer window, there is a feeling that results must improve.
While it is unlikely that Pochettino would make an immediate return to Spurs, having recently penned a new contract with the USA, fans may be dreaming about what could have been.
Could Mauricio Pochettino return to Tottenham?
Football Insider revealed back in January that Pochettino had opened the door to a return to Tottenham amid scrutiny on at-the-time manager Thomoas Frank.
De Zebri was ultimately the man appointed to replace Frank, following Igor Tudor's interim spell, while Pochettino went on to manage the USA to a World Cup round-of-16 defeat.
However, after his recent comments revealed he would have been keen to return to Tottenham, De Zerbi could be set to face more calls for his head.
"Mauricio Pochettino has made no secret of the fact he would like to return to Tottenham," Brown told Football Insider.
"It feels like he's been linked with a return ever since he left, every time a Tottenham manager is under pressure it seems he is the name who gets mentioned with the role.
"Coming out and saying again that he would be keen to return, while they're having a poor start to the season and De Zerbi is under pressure, will only ramp up that pressure.
"Even if it's unlikely that he could come back at this moment, speaking about the position can change the mood and atmosphere around the club and especially the fans.
"Lots of them will have positive memories about Pochettino's tenure, and may now be dreaming of him coming back, while De Zerbi continues to struggle for results.
"Then, it build frustrations, that build more pressure, and then eventually the club are forced to make a decision about his future.
"I'm not sure who it serves, making comments about the job and wanting to come back one day, because it certainly doesn't help De Zerbi and the position he's in."
What is the latest on Roberto De Zerbi's future?
Speculation about the managerial role at Tottenham has come after what has been a miserable start to the season, despite high hopes before the new campaign begun.
Spurs are winless and goalless after four league games, and a 0-0 draw against Everton last time out has raised concerns amongst large sections of the fanbase.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Tottenham know results have not been good enough and are expecting an upturn in performances in the near future.
De Zerbi is baring the brunt of the criticism, with the boss failing to get the best out of his players despite the club having backed him with over £300million worth of signings.
While there are currently no plans in place to pull the trigger on De Zerbi, and the club remain keen to back him, doubts are creeping in the longer they go without a win.