AliousMauricio Pochettino has admitted he feels “really sad” seeing his former club Tottenham Hotspur struggling in the relegation battle.
The Argentine spent five years in charge of Spurs, famously leading them to the UEFA Champions League Final 2019 before leaving the club later that year.
Since then, the 54-year-old has managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and is currently the head coach of the United States men’s national team ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Tottenham picked up their first Premier League win of 2026 last weekend with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. They return to action on Sunday against high-flying Aston Villa.
Spurs currently sit 18th in the table, two points from safety, with just four matches remaining in the season.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Pochettino reflected on his time at Tottenham and the club’s current struggles. He admitted it pains him to see both the players and supporters going through such a difficult period.
He explained that Tottenham remains a significant part of his life, both professionally and personally, and acknowledged the emotional toll the situation is having on everyone connected to the club.
Pochettino also revisited the circumstances surrounding his departure, stressing that he always tried to communicate his vision clearly while he was in charge. However, he believes it is not appropriate to speak out after leaving, especially during difficult moments.
He highlighted the progress made during his tenure, including the completion of the club’s training ground and stadium, while also navigating periods of instability—such as playing matches at alternative venues. Despite those challenges, he believes the team remained highly competitive.
However, Pochettino suggested that limitations in spending and recruitment ultimately prevented the club from taking the final step toward winning major trophies. He pointed out that Tottenham went 18 months without making a signing, which he described as a significant handicap despite the club having some financial resources.
While they consistently competed, he feels they fell just short of achieving silverware.
The former Spurs boss also discussed what he looks for when considering managerial opportunities. He emphasised the importance of understanding a club’s expectations, structure, and long-term vision before accepting a role.
Reflecting on his arrival at Tottenham, he said he had a clear understanding of the project from the beginning, even though it was a challenging situation. He maintained that building a competitive team requires time and alignment within the club.
Pochettino concluded by criticising external pressure, suggesting that unrealistic expectations from outside voices can disrupt internal progress—particularly when people demand success without fully understanding the club’s reality.
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