MAURICIO POCHETTINO has revealed he is ready to return to management.
The Argentine, 48, has been out of the game since being sacked by Tottenham almost a year ago.
Mauricio Pochettino revealed he wants to return to football after almost a year out
Yet Pochettino said on Sky Sports: “I always feel ready to get back involved in the game. I love football, it’s my job.
“It’s not a stress when you are working, it’s not a stress to go into the training ground, it’s not a stress to prepare the game, it’s not a stress to compete.
“My hair is long, look. I hope to cut it when we start working again to work.
“I am looking forward again to being involved in the game.”
During his time-off Poch has been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and even Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg.
But where could he end up? SunSport takes a look…
Manchester United
Pochettino was installed as the heavy favourite to take over the reins at Old Trafford if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sacked.
United have long been admirers of Poch, having considered him for the post before they hired both Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.
On both occasions, having to go through Daniel Levy to get the affable Argentine proved too much of an obstacle for the United board.
But with the Spurs chairman no longer in their way, the Red Devils now have a clear path to Pochettino should they axe Solskjaer.
United currently sit 15th in the table following a dismal start to the season that has seen them fail to record a home league win so far.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos were said to be interested in either the ex-Spurs gaffer or club legend Raul as their next manager should Zinedine Zidane leave.
Poch – who has previously played and managed in Spain – stated last year how he wants to be in charge of Madrid at one point in his career.
And he claimed again recently that it was ‘his dream’ to manage Real following reports that the club have already contacted him.
Zidane is thought to be under pressure ahead of his side’s crunch Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
The LaLiga giants are bottom of Group B with one point after losing 3-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk before a 2-2 with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Paris Saint-Germain
Despite guiding the French giants to a domestic title and the Champions League final last term, Thomas Tuchel is under constant pressure at PSG.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss knows that European glory is the only measure of success in Paris with a Ligue 1 triumph not enough to save him.
PSG have also started their latest assault on the Champions League in indifferent fashion – a 2-1 home defeat to United was followed by an unconvincing win over Istanbul Basaksehir.
Having spent years under financial strain at Spurs, Pochettino would no doubt relish the chance to splash the Parisian’s millions.
The move could also potentially reunite him with former player Dele Alli, who has been heavily linked with a switch to PSG.
The England star became one of the Prem’s brighest stars under Poch but has fallen out of favour with his successor Jose Mouriho.
Manchester City are said to be interested in Pochettino if Pep Guardiola decides against renewing his contract
Manchester City
SunSport previously reported that United’s arch-rivals are also eyeing Pochettino as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola.
City’s chief operating officer Omar Berrada recently revealed that he is determined to keep the club’s most decorated manager in Manchester.
Yet Guardiola, who is in the final year of his deal at the Citizens, is still yet to agree a new long-term extension.
The Spaniard is in his fifth season at the Etihad, longer than he spent at either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
And Guardiola admitted himself he has to prove he deserves to stay following his side’s worst start to a campaign since 2014.
Barcelona
The most unlikely of options considering Poch once said he’d rather work on a farm than manage at the Nou Camp because of this affinity with neighbours Espanyol.
Yet he was installed as the bookies’ favourites to succeed Quique Setien earlier this year despite his ties to Barca’s domestic rivals.
His infamous comments were reportedly the cause of great unrest among Barcelona’s senior players and Ronald Koeman was eventually hired.
Yet the Dutchman is without a dometic win in four and Poch has already started damage control should an opening materialise soon.
In an interview with Ole, via the Telegraph, he said: “I think the statements made the fans reluctant to accept me, but at no time did I receive an offer to manage Barca.
“I was wrong in the way that I conveyed that it would be impossible in the future to manage Barcelona.
“I was a bit exaggerated by not leaving an iota of doubt.
“It is clear that everyone who knows me knows that, from my past and a lot of things, it would be difficult to relate my name to the club. There are things that cannot be put together.”
Agbonlahor says Man Utd should sack ‘soft’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and replace him with ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
