Mauricio Pochettino reveals Tottenham approach and leaves door open for return

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed Tottenham approached him about a sensational return last season when the club were fighting to preserve their Premier League status.

Spurs endured a chaotic managerial period after Thomas Frank was dismissed in February, with interim replacement Igor Tudor lasting only 44 days after failing to win any of his five league matches.

Tottenham eventually appointed Roberto De Zerbi on a five-year contract, but Pochettino has now confirmed his former club contacted him before that appointment was made.

Tottenham were only one point above the relegation zone by the end of March and desperately searching for a permanent solution.

Pochettino's name had already become prominent among supporters, who regularly sang for their former manager during the closing stages of Frank's tenure.

The Argentine has now revealed an approach was made, but his commitments as USA head coach ahead of the World Cup prevented a reunion.

"The problem was that the timings were never the best," Pochettino explained.

"When I was free, I never received a contact. And then when I was working, I received a contact, but I cannot make the decision to come back."

Pochettino subsequently guided the USA into the last 16 of their home World Cup.

Perhaps the most significant part of Pochettino's revelation was his admission that he would have accepted the Tottenham job had he been available.

"If I was free, of course I come," he said. "But I wasn't free, I was preparing for the World Cup."

Pochettino did play down the significance of Tottenham specifically contacting him, suggesting the club were speaking to numerous available and employed coaches during an increasingly desperate situation.

"They called everyone, they called all the coaches. Free and not free," he added.

Nevertheless, his comments provide confirmation that a potential reunion was genuinely discussed rather than simply being speculation.

Pochettino's relationship with Tottenham has ensured talk of a comeback has never completely disappeared.

He led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and mounted Premier League title challenges during one of the club's most successful modern periods.

Now he has left the possibility of another spell open once again.

"Maybe one day the stars will align, and it can happen," Pochettino said.

For now, Tottenham have committed themselves to De Zerbi. But Pochettino's admission makes one thing clear: if the circumstances are ever right for both sides, he would be willing to discuss coming home.

There is no suggestion Tottenham are currently considering another managerial change, with De Zerbi handed a long-term contract to rebuild the club.

Pochettino's comments are nevertheless significant for the future. After years of speculation surrounding a second spell in north London, the former Spurs boss has now confirmed both that Tottenham actually approached him and that he remains open to returning under the right circumstances.