Pochettino Gamble Carries Serious Risk for Spurs, Warns Zamora

Tottenham face a genuine dilemma with their pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino, according to former Spurs striker Bobby Zamora, who has flagged the risks of appointing the Argentine while his attentions remain fixed on the World Cup.

The club sacked Thomas Frank after a disastrous run that saw them win just twice in 17 Premier League outings, plummeting to 16th place. Igor Tudor has stepped into the interim role, though a permanent stay looks unlikely unless he delivers the Champions League trophy.

Pochettino remains the bookmakers' favourite and the overwhelming choice among the Spurs faithful. His previous tenure between May 2014 and November 2019 delivered a league runners-up finish and a Champions League final appearance—making him the most accomplished manager of the Premier League era at the club. Most supporters would welcome his return.

The snag? He's currently committed to preparing the United States for their hosting duties at the summer tournament. Pochettino cannot realistically take over before July, with the American group stage concluding on June 25. Any speculation over his future could prove a distraction at a critical moment.

Zamora, speaking to betting outlets via CBS Sports, expressed concern about the wider implications. He suggested the USMNT would rightfully demand Pochettino's complete focus and warned that allowing his mind to wander could prove costly for the hosts.

"He can't start until after the World Cup. If you are his nation, you are saying 'I don't want you taking your eye off the ball'," Zamora explained. "I know you're not full-time, every single day in the office, but I would be saying I don't want you taking your eye off the ball."

The 53-year-old would inherit a squad depleted by international commitments. Should several players progress deep into the tournament, they won't return until late July, and most will demand a proper break—at least a fortnight—before preseason begins. Combining that with the compressed schedule presents a genuine headache.

"Although he's the fans' favourite and they want him there, it's going to be a tricky one," Zamora continued. "I think the likes of Poch would want time, a good pre-season. Whoever goes in there, they will want a whole pre-season. It's hard because of the World Cup. It's a tricky job for anyone."

Zamora acknowledged Pochettino's exceptional record at the club and the affection supporters hold for him, despite the manner of his exit. He also recognised the Argentine will have other suitors when his contract expires, though he suggested the Spurs job remains uniquely attractive.

"He will have options. It's a big club, though, a huge club. He has got fond memories there as well," Zamora said. "The infrastructure of everything is second to none. It's just that final part of the puzzle that they haven't been able to solve over the last six or seven years."

Former manager Tim Sherwood, however, expressed little doubt about the outcome. Speaking to Sky Sports, Sherwood predicted Pochettino's appointment as inevitable, arguing the club lacks the nerve to pursue alternatives.

"We know who is coming in – it will be Pochettino, 100 per cent. I do not think the club will be brave enough to turn to anyone else," Sherwood stated. "There are other options out there but the pressure on another man getting that job and losing two games, and then the crowd saying 'You had a chance to bring Poch back'. It is impossible for them to look elsewhere."