Mauricio Pochettino did not dismiss the possibility of a move to Real Madrid on Tuesday. This came after ESPN reported that the coach of the United States men’s national team is a potential candidate for the club’s managerial position this summer.
At 54 years old, Pochettino is set to guide the USMNT as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, having taken on the role in August 2024. His career includes notable stints with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
On Monday, ESPN reported that the Argentinian, who has been previously associated with a Madrid role, was among the names being considered to succeed Álvaro Arbeloa for the 2026-27 season as part of a significant overhaul at the Bernabéu.
“All in good time,” Pochettino remarked at Madrid’s Barajas Airport when questioned about the Madrid speculation, stating, “In football, the timings always dictate [what happens]. Football will take you where it wants, not where you want.”
He is also set to attend Atlético Madrid‘s Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Tottenham on Tuesday, where he may have the opportunity to observe U.S. midfielder Johnny Cardoso in action.
Pochettino’s current contract with the USMNT is set to expire following this summer’s World Cup.
According to ESPN, Madrid is evaluating coaching options after Arbeloa, who succeeded Xabi Alonso in January, could not effect the desired transformation within the team.
Having previously managed Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla, Arbeloa is not regarded as a long-term first-team coaching option, though one source suggested he might continue at the club in some other capacity.
Pochettino is held in high esteem by president Florentino Pérez, having been mentioned as a candidate back in 2019 when he led Spurs to the Champions League final.
Additionally, he worked with Madrid star Kylian Mbappé for two seasons at PSG, securing three trophies during their time together.
In recent weeks, Jürgen Klopp, Unai Emery, Massimiliano Allegri, and former coach Zinedine Zidane have also been linked with the managerial position at Madrid, according to Spanish media reports.