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Pochettino eyes Premier League return despite US World Cup challenge
Mauricio Pochettino, currently head coach of the US men's national team, has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, calling it "the best league in the world" in an interview with BBC Sport. The 53-year-old Argentine, who previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, admitted he misses the English top flight despite his ongoing commitment to preparing the US for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
Unfinished business in England
Pochettino's five-year tenure at Tottenham (2014-2019) remains a defining chapter of his career, where he led the club to a second-place Premier League finish in 2016-17 and the 2019 Champions League final-though silverware eluded him. "We were so close," he reflected. "We nearly touched it. That is something I would want to achieve."
His relationship with former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who stepped down in September after 24 years, remains positive. "I was very surprised [by his departure]," Pochettino said. "His legacy is amazing. He gave me the opportunity to manage one of the best clubs in the world, with an incredible fanbase."
US struggles and cultural adaptation
Since taking charge of the US team in September 2024, Pochettino has faced criticism, winning just 11 of 20 matches, including losses to Mexico, Panama, and South Korea. Challenges extend beyond results: he has reportedly clashed with the existing football culture, noting that visiting fans often outnumber US supporters at home games. The irregular schedule of international management-brief training windows followed by long gaps-has also tested his patience.
"The intensity is completely different. You prepare for a game, play, then wait months. You feel empty because you can't keep working with the players," he said.
Growth of US soccer and 2026 ambitions
Despite the hurdles, Pochettino sees progress. He credits high-profile arrivals like Lionel Messi for shifting youth interest toward soccer over traditional American sports. "Players like Messi are helping kids choose soccer over basketball or baseball," he said, adding that his focus is on instilling a competitive mindset: "The language of football is universal. It doesn't matter if you're American, Brazilian, or English-you must compete to win."
The US has reached the World Cup quarter-finals only once (2002), but Pochettino remains optimistic about 2026. "After one year, we're making great progress," he asserted, dismissing suggestions he must adapt to American player culture. "I know the culture of football. That's what we're translating."
Legacy and future
Beyond his 18-month spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won Ligue 1 and the French Cup, Pochettino's career has been shaped by his Premier League stints. His admiration for the league's competitiveness persists, even as he navigates the complexities of international management. "I'm happy in America," he acknowledged, "but I'm thinking one day to come back."
