LONDON — Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the shock frontrunner to return to Tottenham Hotspur following the dismissal of Thomas Frank on Wednesday. The breaking news comes just days after the USMNT manager made global headlines for publicly assuring President Donald Trump that the United States is capable of winning the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Frank was relieved of his duties on February 11 after a disastrous 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United left Spurs languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone. With the north London club now searching for their sixth permanent manager in seven years, sources indicate that chairman Daniel Levy has identified Pochettino as his primary target to galvanize a fractured fanbase and salvage the club's future.

Pochettino Linked with Premier League Return

The potential return of Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham has sparked intense speculation across the Atlantic. The Argentine tactician, who led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019, is currently preparing the USMNT for the biggest tournament in its history. While reports from talkSPORT and The Evening Standard suggest Pochettino is "open" to a reunion with Spurs, the timing presents a massive hurdle.

Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer runs through the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup this summer. With the tournament set to kick off in June across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it is virtually impossible for him to take the reins in north London before July. This leaves Tottenham in a precarious position: appoint an interim manager like John Heitinga to bridge the gap, or move for an immediately available candidate like Roberto De Zerbi, who recently departed Marseille.

The Thomas Frank Experiment Fails

Thomas Frank's tenure at Tottenham lasted less than eight months. Appointed in June 2025 to replace Ange Postecoglou, the former Brentford boss struggled to translate his tactical pragmatism to a club demanding attacking flair. Frank departed without a single Premier League win in 2026, and his relationship with supporters had turned toxic, with chants of "boring, boring Tottenham" becoming a regular soundtrack at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pochettino's Vow to President Trump

Complicating the rumors of a Premier League return is Pochettino's evident commitment to the American cause. In a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Pochettino revealed details of a conversation with President Donald Trump during the World Cup draw in December 2025.

"At the draw of the World Cup, I met Donald Trump for a few minutes," Pochettino recounted. "He asked me: 'What do you think, coach? Can you win the World Cup?'"

Pochettino's response was unequivocal: "I said, 'Of course, Mr. President.' Because it's the USA. The American dream is there. The American culture is about being first, being number one. We really believe we can win."

This public declaration of faith in the USMNT 2026 World Cup squad suggests a manager fully focused on the task at hand, casting doubt on whether he would be distracted by job offers from Europe before the tournament concludes.

What's Next for US Soccer and Spurs?

For U.S. Soccer, the rumors are an unwanted distraction as the team enters its final preparation phase. Pochettino has stabilized the squad since taking over in late 2024, guiding them to impressive victories over Paraguay and Uruguay. Losing him immediately after the World Cup would be a blow, but perhaps an inevitable one if he delivers a strong tournament performance.

For Tottenham, the decision is critical. The club faces a relegation battle and cannot afford to wait passively for Pochettino. If they survive the drop, a summer reunion with their most beloved modern manager could be the perfect narrative to reset the club's culture. As of now, Pochettino remains focused on delivering on his promise to President Trump, but the allure of "coming home" to N17 may prove too strong to ignore once the final whistle blows this summer.