From SI · · 2m
Pochettino Almost Caused Scandal Before USMNT Job
Pochettino nearly caused a major career scandal after Spurs sacked him, then almost joined Arsenal before USMNT role.
In brief
Pochettino nearly caused a major career scandal after Spurs sacked him, then almost joined Arsenal before USMNT role. Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly in talks to join Arsenal weeks after being sacked by Tottenham but ended up coaching USMNT instead. Originally reported by SI.
Pochettino Sacked by Spurs
Mauricio Pochettino was dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur during the November international break after signing one senior first-team player across two years.
Pochettino's Spurs Success
Pochettino led Tottenham to three consecutive top-three Premier League finishes and reached the 2019 Champions League final.
Arsenal Interest After Sacking
A new book claims Pochettino was in serious conversations with Arsenal’s hierarchy weeks after being sacked by Tottenham.
Pochettino's Motivation
Pochettino is described as a strong candidate who showed willingness to engage with a club he had spent the previous half-decade being paid to despise.
Spurs' Dominance
Across Pochettino’s final three seasons at Tottenham, the club finished each one above their loathed neighbors.
Historical Context
Only two managers have ever taken charge of both Arsenal and Tottenham: Terry Neill and George Graham.
Terry Neill's Legacy
Terry Neill was never fully accepted by Tottenham fans after managing Northern Ireland while narrowly avoiding relegation.
George Graham's Legacy
George Graham oversaw Arsenal’s most successful period for half a century before taking charge of Tottenham in 1999.
Pochettino's Spurs Goodwill
Pochettino would have banished the goodwill he still has with many Spurs fans if he had moved directly to Arsenal.
USMNT Appointment
Pochettino was appointed USMNT manager after the U.S. Soccer Federation presented him with a salary befitting the big beasts of international football.
USMNT Search
When the USMNT initially went in search of a new manager in 2024, there was no avalanche of résumés.
Pochettino's Relationship
Pochettino had crossed paths with Matt Crocker at Southampton and was open to leading a co-host at the 2026 World Cup.
Pochettino's USMNT Tenure
After a shaky start, Pochettino won plenty of hearts and minds on the grand home stage until the 2030 World Cup.
The takeaway
Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly in talks to join Arsenal weeks after being sacked by Tottenham but ended up coaching USMNT instead.
