Mauricio Pochettino Eyes Premier League Return After USMNT Stint, 'I Am Missing It'

United States Men's National Soccer Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino suggested Thursday that he would like to return to coaching in the English Premier League once his time with the USMNT is over.

Speaking to BBC Sport's Steve Sutcliffe, Pochettino said, "The Premier League is the best league in the world. Of course I am missing it. I am so happy in America, but also thinking one day to come back to the Premier League. It's the most competitive league."

Pochettino, 53, became the USMNT's head man last year, but he is best known for his time as a manager for several different European clubs, including three from the EPL.

In addition to stints at Espanyol and Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino managed Southampton from 2013 to 2014, Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 to 2019 and Chelsea from 2023 to 2024.

Aside from winning one Ligue 1 title at PSG, Pochettino's greatest success came at Tottenham, as he led Spurs to a runner-up finish in the UEFA Champions League in 2019.

Pochettino admitted that falling just short of a major trophy with Tottenham is what he thinks about most, saying, "I think we were so close in Tottenham, we nearly touched it [winning the Champions League and Premier League]. That is a thing that I would want to achieve."

Over his five seasons at Tottenham, Spurs finished fifth or better in the EPL standings each time. They came in second in 2016-17, finishing seven points behind Chelsea.

Tottenham fell off significantly last season, finishing 17th in the EPL, which was just one spot above relegation. However, they have rebounded so far this season, and are in sixth place through 10 matches.

As for the USMNT, they have had their fair share of ups and downs under Pochettino thus far with 11 wins, seven losses and two draws.

The U.S. disappointed in Pochettino's first major tournament at the helm, falling to Panama in the semifinals of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League.

However, despite being without most of their top players, the United States bounced back in the 2025 Gold Cup, going all the way to the final before falling 2-1 to rival Mexico.

The major focus for Pochettino now is the 2026 World Cup, which will be played across North America in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

A strong performance could potentially compel Pochettino to stay with the USMNT for the long haul, but if the Americans falter, perhaps it would open the door for an EPL return.