Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he’s “missing” the Premier League and hopes to make a return in the future. Currently preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as head coach of the United States men’s national team, the Argentine coach reflected on his time in England and the challenges of coaching at the international level.

Pochettino’s Premier League Journey: From Southampton to Spurs to Chelsea

Pochettino, 53, has had three spells in England’s top tier — first at Southampton, then Tottenham, and most recently, Chelsea. Speaking to BBC Sport, he praised the intensity and competition of the league:

“The Premier League is the best league in the world… of course I am missing it. I’m so happy in America, but one day I want to come back.”

Despite achieving notable success, including leading Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and a second-place Premier League finish in 2016-17, a lack of silverware continues to frustrate him.

“I think we were so close at Tottenham — we nearly touched it,” he added, referring to both Premier League and Champions League title challenges.

Relationship with Daniel Levy and Tottenham Legacy

Pochettino maintains a positive relationship with former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who surprisingly stepped down in September after 24 years in charge — a tenure that oversaw a new stadium build and domestic and European cup success.

“I was very surprised [by Levy’s departure]. His legacy is amazing,” said Pochettino. “He was a really important person because he gave me the possibility to manage Tottenham — one of the best clubs in the world.”

Life with the USMNT and a Cultural Football Shift

Since being hired in September 2024, Pochettino has taken charge of 20 matches, winning 11 but suffering defeats to Mexico, Canada, Panama, South Korea, Turkey, and Switzerland. The biggest challenge? Adapting to the rhythms of international football and helping grow a “soccer” culture in the U.S.

“The intensity is completely different. After two matches, you feel empty — you cannot keep improving things,” he explained.

Pochettino also highlighted cultural differences, including the need to refer to the game as “soccer” to avoid confusion — and the struggle to convince fans to fill stadiums in support of the national team.

Still, he sees progress:

“Players like Messi are helping kids choose soccer over basketball or baseball. We’re building ideas with people who understand that the language of football is universal.”

With the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Pochettino is tasked with helping the American team reach new heights — their best result being a quarter-final finish in 2002.