Mauricio Pochettino slams Barcelona's 'more than a club' slogan & insists Espanyol are 'much more Catalan' as USMNT boss emphatically rules out ever coaching La Liga champions

Pochettino has launched an attack on Barcelona’s cultural identity, directly questioning the meaning of their “more than a club” motto. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss, who also played for and managed Espanyol, has expressed his belief that the Blaugrana’s stance misrepresents Catalan culture, while ruling out the possibility of coaching Barcelona in the future.

Speaking to El Chiringuito, Pochettino said: “I think that Espanyol is a much more independent club and much more Catalan than Barcelona. They say that Barca is more than a club – what does that mean? That children should be indoctrinated in certain ideas? I think Barcelona is wrong about that. Every football team has its culture, and Barca is a great club, but I do not share what they want to make me buy or want to sell to people.”

The USMNT boss added: “The phrase I’m going to my farm in Argentina to work before coaching Barcelona? It’s still good, isn’t it? My identification with Espanyol is total. People always say, ‘If Barça offers you the job, we’ll see.’ I can tell you that I would not coach Barcelona.”

Pochettino’s comments add fuel to one of Spain’s deepest football rivalries, rooted in politics as much as sport. While Barcelona have long embraced Catalan nationalism, Espanyol traditionally lean toward a Spanish identity despite being based in Catalonia, as they boast the 'Real' symbol bestowed by the former Spanish Monarch, King Alfonso XIII. The Argentine’s refusal to soften his stance highlights his loyalty to his former club.

For now, Pochettino’s focus remains on leading the United States men’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Barcelona, meanwhile, continue their era under Hansi Flick as they chase domestic and European glory. Espanyol will simply take pride in their former boss’ words, which reaffirm their place in Catalonia’s divided football landscape.