By JAKE FENNER IN CONNECTICUT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

United States men’s national team coach and former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino threw water on rumors that he could return to north London.

On Friday, the Europa League champions announced they had sacked manager Ange Postecoglu, who broke a 17-year title drought for the club.

Answering a question asked by Daily Mail after a 2-1 loss to Turkey, Pochettino indicated that the rumors were not realistic and that his name was one of many linked with the job.

‘I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumors],’ Pochettino said in the press conference after some initial confusion. 

‘I’ve seen the rumors, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don’t be worried about that. If something happens, you for sure will see, but we cannot talk about this type of thing. 

‘Today it’s not realistic, look where I am, look where we are. The answer is so clear.’

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino called his links to the vacancy at Tottenham 'unrealistic'

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino called his links to the vacancy at Tottenham ‘unrealistic’

While not an outright denial, it does indicate Pochettino’s happiness with the USMNT – especially after a press conference where the manager praised his squad’s performance in spite of the defeat to a much stronger Turkish side.

Pochettino is set to play one more tune-up game (Tuesday night in Nashville against Switzerland) before embarking on a journey through the Gold Cup – CONCACAF’s premier international competition.

The Argentine was officially hired back in October 2024 at an event in New York City, making him the most well-renowned coaching hire in the history of the men’s national team.

However, results have been inconsistent. Under Pochettino, the USMNT has won five matches and lost four, including both games in the CONCACAF Nations League.

MORE TO FOLLOW. 

:
Mauricio Pochettino shuts down ‘unrealistic’ Tottenham links and claims he is ‘so happy’ with USA one year out from the World Cup

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk