Mauricio Pochettino has expressed deep sadness over Tottenham Hotspur’s current struggles in the Premier League, where the club is fighting to avoid relegation. The Argentine coach, who managed Spurs from 2014 to 2019, said it was painful to see a team he once led to major achievements now battling at the bottom of the table.
Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Pochettino reflected on his time at Tottenham and the bond he formed with the club. “It’s really sad, I really love Tottenham. It’s going to be a part of my life, an important part of my life as a coach, my personal life too. It’s really sad because I know how the people are suffering there, inside the club and also the fans. It’s difficult to accept,” he said.
Pochettino guided Spurs to a second-place finish in the Premier League in the 2016–17 season and famously reached the Champions League final in 2019. However, he was dismissed later that year after a poor start to the following campaign. Since leaving Tottenham, he managed Paris Saint-Germain, winning domestic trophies, before returning to England with Chelsea. He is now preparing to lead the USA at this summer’s World Cup, but has made clear his desire to return to Premier League management in the future. “One day, yes, because I really like England. I think my profile – my human profile and my coaching profile – match very well with the Premier League,” he added.
Tottenham’s current situation is a stark contrast to the successes achieved under Pochettino. The club sits 18th in the table, two points from safety, with only four games remaining. Their recent 2–0 victory over already relegated Wolves was their first league win of the year, offering a glimmer of hope as they prepare to face Aston Villa, who are chasing European qualification.
For Pochettino, Tottenham remains a club of personal significance, and his comments highlight both his affection for the team and his concern for its future. His remarks also underscore the emotional connection managers often retain with former clubs, especially when those clubs face difficult times. As Spurs fight to preserve their Premier League status, Pochettino’s words serve as a reminder of the highs the club once enjoyed and the challenges it now confronts.
