Mauricio Pochettino distances himself from Spurs return but backs club to avoid relegation

<ul><li><p>Coach says no contact with Tottenham or Real Madrid</p></li><li><p>Pochettino committed to US for 2026 World Cup</p></li></ul><p>Mauricio Pochettino once again distanced himself from links to a return to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, while expressing his confidence that his former club will avoid relegation despite a challenging season.</p><p>Pochettino, who led Spurs to some of their greatest successes in the modern era during a tenure from 2014-2019, has often been linked with a return to the club. However, his position as head coach of the US men’s national team has prevented him from taking over this season <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/30/tottenham-igor-tudor-relegation-battle-premier-league">as Tottenham have floundered</a>. Pochettino will not be available for his next job until after this summer’s World Cup, as his US Soccer contract expires in August.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/30/mauricio-pochettino-tottenham-usmnt-real-madrid">Continue reading...</a>