Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with clubs regarding a potential immediate return to management, despite recent speculation about a move to Manchester United.
His unexpected exit from Chelsea was confirmed less than three weeks ago, yet Pochettino claims to possess ‘full energy’ and is prepared for a prompt comeback.
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The decision regarding Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is expected to be made this week, with ten Hag still uncertain about his position.
Despite their worst-ever Premier League finish last season, Manchester United’s victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final has prompted the new management at Old Trafford to reevaluate their options.
Reports have indicated that Manchester United had preliminary discussions with Thomas Tuchel, another former Chelsea manager, about potentially replacing Ten Hag.
However, both the club and Tuchel concluded that it was not the right match.
With Tuchel no longer in consideration, Manchester United might initiate conversations with Pochettino. The 52-year-old Argentine manager has stated that he is ‘open’ to such discussions.
When asked about his future after managing the World XI in the Soccer Aid charity game against England, Pochettino told talkSPORT: ‘I have full energy and I think we [Chelsea] finished really well.
‘Now we just wait and see what happens. In football you never know, things can happen – today, nothing but tomorrow can appear and any opportunity, we are open to listen.’
Pressed on whether he would be willing to return to the Premier League – having managed Tottenham and Southampton as well as Chelsea – Pochettino said: ‘Open to football, we’re open to football’.
Pochettino’s World XI were beaten 6-3 by England at Stamford Bridge as the hosts ended a five-year losing run to win in Soccer Aid.
‘It was good, it was a good experience,’ Pochettino said of the event. ‘All of the fans here gave us a nice welcome.
‘It’s a strange feeling because we finished a few weeks ago but I am happy to be here again.’
Despite a dismal first-half to the campaign, Pochettino was expected to stay at Chelsea after the Blues won their final five matches to climb to sixth and qualify for Europe.
But Chelsea and Pochettino ‘mutually agreed to part ways’ after end-of-season talks, with the Argentine saying: ‘Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history.
‘The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.’
Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: ‘On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season.
‘He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.’
