The whisper is turning into a roar: Tottenham Hotspur is in absolute disarray, and their former messiah, Mauricio Pochettino, has just offered a tantalizing glimmer of hope, declaring himself "open to everything" after the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This isn't just a rumor; it's a potential seismic shift for a club currently adrift in the Premier League.
Key Points:
- Tottenham is battling relegation, collecting just four points from nine league matches in 2026 under interim boss Igor Tudor.
- Former manager Mauricio Pochettino has openly discussed a potential second spell in North London following his commitments with the USMNT.
- Pochettino previously guided Spurs to a Champions League final and their highest-ever Premier League finish of second place.
- The USMNT coach remains focused on his current role, eyeing a "navigable" group in the upcoming World Cup.
The White Hart Lane Crisis Deepens
North London is a pressure cooker, and Tottenham is feeling the heat. Frank's tenure as head coach ended abruptly earlier this month following a disheartening 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle. This result left the club perilously close to the relegation zone.
Interim Chaos and Relegation Fears
Since then, the situation has only worsened. The gap to the bottom three has shrunk to just four points after West Ham's draw and a painful 4-1 North London Derby thrashing by rivals Arsenal. Interim boss Igor Tudor inherited a nightmare, overseeing the humbling defeat to the league leaders. With only two wins from their last 17 matches and no league victories in 2026, the urgency for change couldn't be clearer. This current slump is a stark contrast to any previous highs, even with the strange backdrop of the preceding season where Ange Postecoglou won the Europa League but inexplicably finished 17th.
Pochettino's Potentially Historic Encore
As the club grapples with its worst form in years, the prospect of Mauricio Pochettino's return is sparking fervent discussions among the Tottenham faithful. The Argentine, currently guiding the USMNT, didn't shy away from the speculation.
"Open to Everything!"
Speaking to Spanish radio, Pochettino acknowledged the constant whispers linking him back to his old clubs. "There are always rumors, I’m always linked [to clubs]. To Tottenham, just like at one time I was linked to Espanyol, or to other clubs," he stated. He added, "My contract runs until after the World Cup, so after that we’ll see what might happen. Open to everything, right?" This candid declaration has sent shockwaves, suggesting a sensational second act could be on the cards.
A Legacy Etched in North London
Pochettino's first spell at Spurs, from 2014 to 2019, transformed the club. He led them to a memorable second-placed finish in the 2016-17 Premier League season and, most famously, an unforgettable run to the 2019 Champions League final. Despite being sacked in November 2019 after a rocky start to the season, his impact on the club's modern identity is undeniable.
The Road Ahead: USMNT and Beyond
After leaving Tottenham, Pochettino enjoyed success with PSG, securing the Trophee des Champions, Coupe de France, and a Ligue 1 title. A brief stint at Chelsea followed before he took the reins of the USMNT in September 2024. His focus now is firmly on their World Cup campaign, where the USA find themselves in a "fairly navigable group" alongside Australia, Paraguay, and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo. Only after this international duty will the true extent of his "openness" to a Spurs reunion be revealed.
