USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino emerges as shock contender to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham & continue Spurs love affair

Tottenham have entered another managerial hunt after making the shock decision to part ways with Postecoglou, despite the Australian’s recent Europa League triumph. Chairman Daniel Levy is now exploring a list of potential candidates, and in an unexpected twist, former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a name of interest, as reported by The BBC.

Pochettino spent five years in charge at Spurs, leading the club to the 2019 Champions League final and consistently securing top-four league finishes, including a second-place finish in 2017. Since leaving north London, Pochettino has managed high-profile clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. However, he now finds himself in the international scene as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), with preparations underway for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil.

While Pochettino may be a nostalgic and popular option among supporters, prising him away from his current role with the USMNT could prove financially daunting. The BBC report mentions that the compensation Tottenham would be required to pay to terminate his existing contract would rank among the most expensive managerial buyouts in football history. This eye-watering financial barrier might ultimately dissuade Spurs from pursuing their former coach.

As Tottenham deliberate over their next managerial appointment, other potential successors are being evaluated. Brentford’s Thomas Frank has reportedly caught the attention of club executives due to his impressive work at the West London club. He is tied to Brentford by a £10 million ($13.5m) release clause, a figure that Tottenham are currently assessing as part of their decision-making process. Fulham boss Marco Silva has also made the shortlist, though the Portuguese manager has recently reaffirmed his commitment to remaining at Craven Cottage.