Mauricio Pochettino eyeing managerial return after World Cup amid England job links

Mauricio Pochettino has said he is open to returning to management after the World Cup.

The former Tottenham boss has been out of work since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season but said he would consider an offer to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.

The Argentine, who led Spurs to a Champions League Final, is also open to offers from leading Champions League clubs, preferably in England or Spain.

“After Paris, we decided to wait until after the World Cup,” Pochettino told the BBC. “You need time after some experiences and the experience in Paris was tough. A great experience, but a tough experience. Then you need to process every single club. It’s a nice time to become stronger.

“It excites me the idea of managing a national team, but the identity of the team is so important: the people, the culture, you need to understand everything. It’s the same when you work in a club. It’s about creating the culture to compete and to win. But, yes, I am open to listen [to offers].

England Training Session for FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar | 26th November 2022

“A good example is Brazil. You cannot go against the culture of the players. In England, you are brave. You want to fight, to run, to go out and kick someone! It’s important to understand [that].”

On the eve of the World Cup, Pochettino told The Athletic he would consider an offer to succeed Southgate, who is under contract until after the 2024 European Championship, but has said he will not “outstay my welcome”.

“My relationship with England has always been very good,” Pochettino said this month. “I feel so comfortable here. You never know what happens. I’m open to everything.”