Image source: ichef.bbci.co.uk
United States manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his strong desire to return to the Premier League following the 2026 World Cup, stating he wants to win the title after coming close during his time at Tottenham Hotspur when they reached the 2019 Champions League final.
Pochettino Confirms Premier League Return Ambition After 2026 World Cup
The 53-year-old Argentine took charge of the United States national team in 2024, preparing for his first World Cup as a manager when the tournament takes place across America, Canada and Mexico.
Pochettino described the Premier League as “the best in the world” during an interview with BBC Sport, acknowledging he misses English football despite his current satisfaction with the USA role.
Speaking about his ultimate career ambitions, Pochettino revealed his determination to capture both Premier League and Champions League titles, achievements that narrowly eluded him during his successful spell at Tottenham.
The former defender guided Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final in Madrid, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, and consistently challenged for domestic honours without securing silverware.
Pochettino’s managerial journey has taken him from Southampton to Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before accepting the USA position.
He emphasised the importance of instilling football culture in American players, stating that the language of the sport remains universal regardless of nationality.
After one year in charge, he believes significant progress has been made in building a competitive squad for the home World Cup.
The Argentine manager, who grew up on a farm before pursuing his football career with Newell’s Old Boys, maintains strong connections to English football and continues watching Premier League matches regularly.
He expressed gratitude towards former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, with whom he maintains contact, and credited him for providing the opportunity to manage one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Pochettino confirmed his long-term vision extends beyond the 2026 World Cup, stating he possesses the energy, experience and motivation to pursue Premier League success in the future.
The manager, who recently became a grandfather, emphasised that making his family proud remains his primary motivation alongside achieving the major trophies that have so far eluded his distinguished coaching career.
