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Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Mauricio Pochettino will never have been open to the idea of a “dual job” that saw him coach both Tottenham and the USMNT. Spurs recently found themselves back in the market for a new manager after bringing Igor Tudor’s ill-fated 44-day tenure to a close. Former fan favourite Pochettino saw a return to north London speculated on, but he has World Cup plans to focus on this summer.

The Portuguese coach took part in the last four editions of the World Cup.. so will the streak continue?

Former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole is the latest guest on the Beast Mode On Podcast, where he discusses his journey from coming through the ranks as a talented teenager at West Ham to representing his country at the World Cup. The former Liverpool midfielder opens up on his struggles at Anfield, reveals the truth behind his Stamford Bridge exit and has his say on big names including Eden Hazard, Jose Mourinho and Ronaldinho.

After a 36-year wait, Argentina returned to the summit of world football with their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though he didn’t feature, Sergio Aguero told GOAL it remains one of the greatest moments of his life, while backing the current squad to carry that same hunger, identity, and competitive edge into the 2026 tournament.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has told GOAL why he would have sided with Harry Redknapp or Glenn Hoddle over Roberto De Zerbi as another managerial merry-go-round is set in motion. With Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor passing through north London this season, Premier League survival hangs in the balance without a familiar face being turned to for inspiration.

Freddy Adu has explained to GOAL when - amid chats with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and completing a “crazy” transfer - things felt “real” for him and as though he had bucked the trend by cracking Europe as an American soccer player. Having burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old wonderkid, Adu helped to pave the way for the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to follow in his footsteps.

Golden Glove leader David Raya and Emi Martinez have been snubbed as Mark Crossley draws up his list of the top three Premier League goalkeepers for GOAL. The former Nottingham Forest and Wales shot-stopper has explained the skill set that an “ideal” No.1 must possess, with superstar performers at Manchester City and Liverpool considered to boast those qualities.

Cesc Fabregas has been told why his career path could lead back to Chelsea or Barcelona, with the World Cup winner doing a “remarkable” job as manager of Como. The former Spain international stepped into the dugout after hanging up his boots in Italy. He is now chasing down Champions League qualification, with Massimo Ambrosini telling GOAL why a return to familiar surroundings could be agreed at some stage.

Daniel Munoz is considered to be one of the Premier League’s most complete right-backs, but the Crystal Palace defender has been told who ranks above him in those stakes and why a dream transfer to Manchester United “might not happen”. That assessment has been delivered to GOAL in an exclusive interview by former Eagles striker Clinton Morrison.

Freddy Adu has told GOAL why Gio Reyna’s unique skillset could be crucial to the USMNT cause at a home World Cup. The United States is, alongside Mexico and Canada, preparing to play host to FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. Reyna is hoping to play a prominent role at that event but, having endured form and fitness issues at club level, has been informed of what he needs to bring to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in order to make the cut.

Michael Owen has told GOAL why he remains confident that Alexander Isak will justify his record-shattering £125 million ($166m) price tag at Liverpool. The Swedish striker became the most expensive player in British football during the summer transfer window of 2025. He has endured an injury-hit debut campaign at Anfield, but is being backed to prove his worth.

Former Coventry striker Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why there is “always a fear” that Frank Lampard could leave the Premier League-bound Sky Blues and return to Chelsea. In his current coaching post, ex-England international Lampard is close to delivering promotion back into the top-flight. He is, however, seeing a third stint as manager at Stamford Bridge speculated on.

Freddy Adu knows all about the challenges of being a teenage wonderkid and is hoping that Cavan Sullivan will soon be shown the level of trust by the Philadelphia Union that his exciting potential deserves. The MLS history-making 16-year-old remains part of the first-team fold in Philly, but ex-USMNT star Adu has told GOAL why the youngster “should have started more games than he has”.

Oliver Glasner has been informed that he may have talked himself out of contention for Manchester United’s managerial post, with the Crystal Palace boss receiving a “stepping stone” warning. The Austrian was considered to be a leading contender to take charge at Old Trafford following Ruben Amorim’s departure, but Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why a more scenic route to the top may have to be taken.

With the countdown on to a home World Cup in the summer of 2026, who will be chosen to take on captaincy duties for the USMNT? There are several prominent candidates in the running there, with Tyler Adams back in contention having filled the armband at Qatar 2022. Freddy Adu has revealed his pick to GOAL, with a Landon Donovan comparison being used to explain why Christian Pulisic may be overlooked.

Declan Rice is being held up as the perfect role model for England international team-mate Adam Wharton, with the Crystal Palace midfielder having one obvious area of his game to address. The 22-year-old playmaker is considered to be one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects, but he is yet to score a goal for the Eagles. Clinton Morrison has addressed that shock statistic with GOAL and explained who Wharton needs to look at for inspiration.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic decided against bringing his unique brand of “chaos” to the dugout as a coach, with former AC Milan team-mate Massimo Ambrosini telling GOAL why “ego” management led the enigmatic Swede down a different path. The former striker, who retired at the age of 41, is now working as an advisor to the Rossoneri board at San Siro.