What next for Pochettino? Three potential options for the former Chelsea boss | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino’s managerial services are once again available following the Argentine’s surprise departure from Chelsea.

Despite guiding the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and reaching the final of the Carabao Cup plus the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent after just one season in charge.

With several clubs without a head coach and a managerial merry-go-round on the cards for this summer, Pochettino may be back in a job quicker than expected.

Here is where the Argentine could end up next…

Manchester United

If Manchester United decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag in the summer, then Pochettino would surely be someone who the club’s board would have in mind.

The Argentine’s links with United go as far back as 2016 and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new billionaire part-owner, may be tempted to re-ignite that interest given Pochettino’s track record for developing young players. The Argentine has played a significant part in Cole Palmer’s rapid progression this season and has similarly done so in the past with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier during his time at Tottenham.

With the next generation of United stars such as Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo, Pochettino could certainly aid their developments and help build a team around them.

However, the minimal trophy haul of Pochettino might deter United’s interest given the ambition put forward by Ratcliffe. Excluding the Ligue 1 title with PSG, Pochettino is yet to win any other major silverware during his 15 year spell as a manager.

England

The Telegraph have reported that Pochettino will be a leading candidate for the England job if he remains out of work and the post becomes vacant following the conclusion of Euro 2024.

Current England manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly expected to leave England if he fails to win the Euros in Germany this summer. Pochettino could be an ideal replacement, and it’s a job that has drawn his attention in the past.

During an interview with The Athletic in 2022, in which he was asked about the prospect of managing England, Pochettino said: “Of course, my relationship with England has always been very good. We have a very good relationship with the academies, trying to develop young players for the national team.

“I feel so comfortable here [in England]. You never know what happens. I am open to everything.”

Pochettino works well with younger players and his understanding of football in England would make him a suitable candidate to replace Southgate should he leave after the Euros.

Saudi Pro League

This is the wildcard option for Pochettino but it’s certainly not one to rule out just yet.

The Telegraph have reported that Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are tipped to approach Pochettino through the club’s sporting director Ramon Planes, who worked with the Argentine during his first managerial stint at Espanyol.

It would certainly feel like a step down for Pochettino, who at the age of 52, still has plenty to offer at the highest level of management.