Mauricio Pochettino Tottenham return stance emerges as condition for move clear

Mauricio Pochettino has made his stance clear on a return to Tottenham after Spurs made the decision to sack Thomas Frank following a dismal run of form

Mauricio Pochettino would be keen on a return to Tottenham after this summer's World Cup, it has been claimed.

Pochettino, 53, spent almost five-and-a-half years in charge during his first spell at Spurs. In that time, Pochettino guided Tottenham to back-to-back second place finishes in the Premier League and helped them reach the Champions League final in his final full season in north London.

Tottenham decided to sack Pochettino in November 2019 following a difficult start to the campaign and replaced him with Jose Mourinho. Since leaving Spurs, Pochettino managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before taking on the United States national team gig in September 2024.

He has a contract to run with the USA up until after the World Cup this summer. The USA are due to co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, all-but ruling out an exit for Pochettino before then.

But, according to talkSPORT, Pochettino would be keen on a move to Tottenham following the end of the World Cup. He has left the door open for a potential return to north London, more than six years since departing.

Pochettino's stance on a return to Tottenham came hours after the club made the decision to axe Thomas Frank after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

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Spurs said in a statement on Wednesday morning: "The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men's head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.

"Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

"Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

Frank was appointed as the new Tottenham head coach last June after Ange Postecoglou was sacked despite ending the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League.

Although Frank made an impressive start to life in north London, winning four of his first six matches across all competitions, Tottenham's form has nosedived in recent months.

Indeed, Spurs have won just two of their last 17 Premier League matches, dating back to a 3-0 success at Everton in October. It's a run that has seen them drop to 16th in the table, five points above the relegation zone.

Next up for Tottenham is a north London derby at home to Arsenal on Sunday, February 22. They have more than 11 days to wait until their next game due to exiting the FA Cup in the third round.