Pochettino Deal Blow: Argentina Coach Set for Real Madrid, Not Spurs

The managerial merry-go-round has dealt Tottenham a fresh blow. Just as the club looked to rebuild following Thomas Frank's departure, Mauricio Pochettino—long touted as a prime candidate to return to N17—appears to have his sights set firmly on the Bernabéu instead.

According to Spanish reports, the USMNT boss has already come to terms with Real Madrid over the managerial vacancy, with the understanding that Los Blancos will satisfy his transfer demands. Pochettino is understood to be willing to take the job provided the club backs him in the market with two centre-backs and a midfielder heading his shopping list. The club's hierarchy appears amenable to such terms, viewing the acquisitions as natural progression rather than an unwelcome expense.

The timing works neatly for all parties: Pochettino won't abandon his international duties until after the World Cup, leaving Real Madrid without a manager until the summer window opens. That suits Tottenham's own timeline, with the north Londoners having already confirmed their intention to appoint a permanent successor to Frank only once the tournament concludes.

Spurs have already moved decisively in the interim, confirming on Friday that Igor Tudor has stepped into the breach following Frank's sacking on Wednesday. The catalyst came Tuesday evening—a 2-1 reverse at Newcastle that proved the final straw for the boardroom. Tudor's appointment suggests the club's immediate focus is stabilising a stuttering campaign rather than chasing the big names.

Tudor's five-year spell at Tottenham previously earned him legendary status among supporters, culminating in a 2016-17 season where Spurs finished as Premier League runners-up. He also steered the club to both the League Cup and Champions League finals during that period, establishing himself as a fan favourite despite ultimately falling short of silverware at White Hart Lane.

The alternative option under consideration is Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton strategist recently shown the door by Marseille. Yet with Pochettino seemingly bound for Spain, De Zerbi may well find himself as the leading contender to assume permanent control.

Upon taking his interim role, Tudor struck a measured tone. "It is an honour to join this Club at an important moment," he told the club's official channels. "I understand the responsibility I have been handed and my focus is clear. To bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match. There is strong quality in this playing squad, and my job is to organise it, energise it and improve our results quickly."

Sporting director Johan Lange echoed the sentiment: "Igor brings clarity, intensity and experience of stepping into challenging moments and producing impact. Our objective is straightforward – to stabilise performances, maximise the quality within the squad and compete strongly in the Premier League and Champions League."

Real Madrid's interest in Pochettino remains in the preliminary stages, with the Spanish giants merely sounding out candidates and their representatives rather than committing to any single appointment. Still, the wheels are clearly in motion—and Spurs appear to have lost the race before it truly began.