USA coach Pochettino does not dismiss Real Madrid: ‘All in due course’
Mauricio Pochettino did not dismiss the possibility of a transfer to Real Madrid on Tuesday, following an ESPN report indicating that the coach of the United States men’s national team was included on the club’s shortlist for the upcoming summer.
Pochettino, 54, is set to guide the USMNT into the 2026 World Cup, having taken the role in August 2024, after a career that includes managing Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
On Monday, ESPN noted that the Argentinian — who has been previously associated with Madrid — was among the contenders to succeed Álvaro Arbeloa for the 2026-27 season as part of a significant restructuring at the Bernabéu.
“All in good time,” Pochettino — speaking at Madrid’s Barajas Airport — told El Chiringuito when questioned about his connection to Madrid. “In football, the timings always dictate [what occurs]. Football will take you where it desires, not where you wish.”
Pochettino is expected 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.
His contract with the USMNT is set to expire following this summer’s World Cup.
ESPN reported on Monday that Madrid is exploring coaching alternatives, after Arbeloa — who succeeded Xabi Alonso in January — did not achieve the anticipated turnaround in the team’s performance.
Arbeloa had been managing Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla, and some sources informed ESPN that he was not considered a long-term solution as first-team coach, with one source suggesting he might continue at the club in a different capacity.
Pochettino is well-regarded by president Florentino Pérez, according to sources, having been previously mentioned as a candidate in 2019, after leading Spurs to the Champions League final.
Pochettino also collaborated with Madrid star Kylian Mbappé for two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, securing three trophies.
Jürgen Klopp, Unai Emery, and Massimiliano Allegri have also been mentioned in the Spanish media as potential candidates for Madrid in recent weeks, along with former coach Zinedine Zidane.
