Mauricio Pochettino stance revealed as former Tottenham coach outlines Argentinian’s first choice for next club

Mauricio Pochettino would jump at the chance of returning to Tottenham if the post became available, according to a former member of his staff.

The 51-year-old is currently out of work having parted company with Paris Saint-Germain in July last year. The Argentinian won the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France during his stint in the French capital. But a failure to land the Champions League saw him jettisoned from the Parc des Princes.

Pochettino is well known to fans of the Premier League. Having spent 18 months at Southampton, he took over at Spurs in May 2014.

The South American guided the north Londoners to the Champions League final. They also reached the EFL Cup final under his leadership but failed to win any silverware.

And, with the club languishing in 14th spot in the Premier League table, he was dismissed by Spurs in November 2019.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium outfit played attractive football, with a win percentage of more than 54 while he was at the helm.

Since his departure Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and present incumbent Antonio Conte have all tried and failed to win a trophy.

And the latter’s days at the club seem numbered. Tottenham sit fourth in the standings.

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But his rant to the media after the 3-3 draw with Southampton suggested a summer exit is likely.

Indeed, there are many pundits who believe he will be sacked before the end of the campaign. Only time will tell if the Italian hangs on to his job until the end of May.

Pochettino waiting in the wings

Speculation is already mounting as to who might replace the ex-Chelsea chief.

Julian Nagelsmann has been mentioned as a possibility after his shock sacking by Bayern Munich. But Pochettino’s name is never very far away from the conversation.

David Webb was head of elite identification and player development at Spurs between 2015 and 2017.

And he feels the former Argentina defender would return to Spurs but is also keeping his options open elsewhere.

“I think Spurs will change coach,” he told The Sun. “I don’t know the ins-and-outs of how fractured Poch’s relationship is with Daniel (Levy).

“And I don’t think that Poch wants to pigeon-hole himself solely to the Premier League. If a good offer were to come up in Spain or Germany, he’d be open to that, too.

“But the Premier League will always be his first choice. He was phenomenal at Tottenham – and would be open to it again.”

Pochettino to target Palace ace

Webb has also worked at Crystal Palace as a youth coach and was at the club when Wilfried Zaha arrived.

And he feels that Pochettino would target the Ivory Coast international if he returns to Spurs.

“I know Poch was a big fan of his,” he added. “I still think he’s attractive for a couple of years because he’s still got great attributes for the Premier League.”

Zaha will be out of contract at the end of the season. But Tottenham will have to battle with other clubs if they do want him in the ranks.

A recent report claimed Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are set to offer him a huge salary to play in the Middle East.

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