Mauricio Pochettino seems to be the standout candidate for the vacant managerial position at Manchester United. The Tottenham coach has worked wonders with Spurs on a tight budget and has proved himself as a top manager in the Premier League.
The Argentine is the subject of intense speculation about taking over from Jose Mourinho, and in his press conference on Tuesday he remained tight lipped over his interest in the position:
I think after nearly five years there are a lot of rumours that have happened in my position here, as manager of Tottenham.
I cannot answer this type of question. These type of rumours happen in this business, in football.
I always respect the opinion of everyone, whether people praise me, whether people do not agree with me, whether people say different things. The business we know very well.
A lot of rumours happen but it is not my business what happened at another club. I am so focused in trying to deliver my best job at this football club.
In a recent interview with former PSG manager Luis Fernandez however, Pochettino was more slightly more candid about his aspirations as a coach, hinting that he would love to manage the club where he spent three seasons as a player:
They (PSG) have been trying for quite a few years now, the Champions League has become their main goal. Technical quality, they have it. They have an excellent coach who is (Thomas) Tuchel who I could see the effectiveness in the matches against Dortmund.
I have a special relationship with Paris, through you and as a player.
Maybe one day ... I could come back to the club, once again ... Over time, in a distant and ideal future, but say nothing to my president (Daniel Levy)!
?? #LeDecrassageDeLuis
⚽ Mauricio Pochettino évoque un possible retour au PSG ! pic.twitter.com/UmRvmIT0J6— beIN Ligue 1 Confo (@beINLigue1Confo) December 17, 2018
The chances of United getting Pochettino this season do appear slim, though according to a report in The Times the 45-year-old wants to be considered for the position at the end of the season.
The report also states that the Argentine believes that it is too good an opportunity to turn down, though the £34 million needed to pry him from the clutches of Daniel Levy could prove a major stumbling block.
