Mauricio Pochettino has made thoughts clear on Tottenham return – 'I would like to'

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The dismissal of Thomas Frank has put Tottenham back in a familiar position as the hunt for a new manager resumes. Many supporters have expressed a preference for Mauricio Pochettino's return, and the current United States coach has spoken favourably of the move.

The prospect of Pochettino coming in as Frank's replacement now is a non-starter. The 53-year-old is currently preparing the Stars and Stripes to co-host World Cup 2026 this summer, which is the seminal moment he's been working toward since taking over the team.

However, a reunion in the summer could be plausible once his contract with the United States expires. And it was only last year that Pochettino gave Spurs fans hope with his comments concerning a comeback.

"When I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham," he told Sky Sports . "I am in the USA, so I am not going to talk about that now - but what I said then I still, after six years or five years, feel in my heart. Yes, I would like one day to come back."

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The Argentinian said at the time he retained a "very, very good relationship" with former chairman Daniel Levy despite his dismissal. However, Levy has since moved on from the club, which is now chaired by Peter Charrington in a non-executive capacity.

Spurs are in a precarious position, both on and off the pitch. The club is currently wallowing just five points above the Premier League relegation zone and needs a firm, reliable presence to save their season.

However, recruiting long-term successors midway through a campaign can prove problematic. In that sense, it may be in Tottenham's best interest to appoint an interim replacement before making a more permanent decision in the summer.

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To that effect, the board may be impressed by what Pochettino had to say about the club and where it should be. He recently appeared on the High Performance Podcast and said Spurs' recent achievements still don't match up with where the team belongs.

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"To win a Europa League , that the team won [under Ange Postecoglou], is good, but it’s not enough," he said. "It is not enough to challenge for the Carabao Cup, or the FA Cup , or the Europa League, or the Conference [League].

"It’s a club that should be, or needs to be because the fans, what they expect is, to be in the Champions League , fighting for the Champions League, trying to believe that you can win the Champions League and also fighting for the Premier League and believing that you can win the Premier League."

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In the same interview, Pochettino was asked which of the clubs he has managed means the most to him. And the former Paris-Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Southampton coach was unequivocal in a response that will only boost Spurs' hopes.