Former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has explained that he always wanted to wait until after the World Cup before making a return to management.
Pochettino was one of the front runners to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before Manchester United decided to appoint Erik ten Hag. A couple of months later the Argentine manager was sacked from PSG after a disappointing display in the Champions League.
The 50-year-old has previously spoken about how the United job does intrigue him having enjoyed his time at Spurs and Southampton in the Premier League. But, speaking to Gary Lineker on BBC One's coverage of Spain vs Germany on Sunday, Pochettino revealed why moving to Old Trafford was always unlikely last summer.
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He explained: "I am still so young. After Paris we decide to wait until after the World Cup.
"Paris was a tough experience, a great experience, but tough, and you need to process every single thing [when making a decision]." Pochettino has been linked with other Premier League managerial roles since his departure from Ligue 1.
Wolverhampton Wanderers were thought to be interested in him but ex-Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui was deemed to be the right man to takeover. Pochettino is likely waiting for another top job to come along before dipping back into management.
Antonio Conte's seemingly love-hate relationship with Spurs could see that job open up for him sooner rather than later. Due to the high regard he is held in at the North London club, that will likely not be ruled out.
As for United, they are set to return to competitive action on December 21 as they take on Burnley in the Carabao Cup. However, next week, players who are not involved at the World Cup will be heading to Spain for a mini pre-season tour which will see the Reds face Cadiz and Real Betis.
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