Tottenham next manager: Mauricio Pochettino update as deal now ‘impossible’
Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as one of the front-runners to become the next Tottenham manager after Thomas Frank was sacked.
The 53-year-old has not been shy about his desire to one day return to North London and remains a huge fans favourite despite his dismissal in 2019.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, it will be “impossible” for Spurs to appoint Pochettino immediately.
The boss is set to lead the host nation U.S.A at the World Cup in the summer and will not consider leaving his role until after the tournament is over.
As a result, Tottenham may be forced to hire an interim boss until the end of the season if they decide they want to push forward with Pochettino’s return.
- Read more: Robbie Keane could be the next Tottenham manager.
Mauricio Pochettino appointment delayed at Tottenham
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 12 February that Pochettino is keen to return to Tottenham and feels he still has unfinished business at the club.
His potential availability after the World Cup will likely be of interest to Spurs, but given their precarious league position, there are concerns they may not be able to wait.
A number of alternatives are being assessed as potential interim managers or even an immediate permanent hire, with the club refusing to rule out options.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It all depends on what Tottenham want to do. Do they want to bring in an interim manager until the end of the season to see them secure survival and then maybe go for a big name in the summer?
“Obviously, Mauricio Pochettino would be a popular choice to come back to Tottenham. Sections of the fans have been calling for his return singing his name at games in recent weeks.
“But I think it’s almost impossible for him to join the club right now because he’s obviously focusing on the World Cup with the USA.
“His contract expires with the United States after the World Cup so maybe that could pave the way for a return to Tottenham.
“Tottenham have got to make a decision on what they want to do.
“It wouldn’t be possible for Pochettino to come in at this stage of the season because as I said he’s focusing on the World Cup of the USA.
“But when his contract expires then maybe there could be a possibility that he does return to Tottenham as he feels he has unfinished business there.”
Who else could become the next Tottenham manager?
Pochettino is not the only big name on Tottenham’s radar as they accelerate plans to replace Frank after getting dragged into a relegation battle.
Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is on their radar after he left Marseille following their elimination from the Champions League in the league stage.
His availability as a free agent makes him an interesting proposition as he would be able to step straight into the role with no delay unlike some other candidates.
Meanwhile, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Marco Rose and Brendan Rodgers have all been linked with the role and there are no shortage of options for Spurs.
However, they are determined to get this decision right as just five points are separating them from West Ham in the relegation zone and they remain in danger.
For the latest updates on Tottenham’s managerial search, check out Tottenham News.