Tottenham Hotspur

Fabio Paratici 'against Mauricio Pochettino return to Tottenham Hotspur'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 17 March 2023

Paratici 'against Pochettino return to Spurs'

Director of football Fabio Paratici would reportedly not be in favour of Mauricio Pochettino returning to Tottenham Hotspur as head coach.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly unlikely to make any approach for Mauricio Pochettino to return as their head coach.

In recent weeks, speculation has been rife about the long-term future of Antonio Conte, whose contract was already due to expire at the end of the season.

However, last-16 exits from each of the FA Cup and Champions League have increased the chances of the two parties going their separate ways in the summer.

As a result, Spurs have been heavily linked with a wide array of potential alternatives, including former boss Pochettino who was sacked in November 2019.

Despite his departure, the Argentine remains admired by a large section of the Spurs supporters having guided the club to their first-ever Champions League final.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino watches on during the Premier League clash with Newcastle on February 2, 2019 © Reuters

Furthermore, according to The Mirror, chairman Daniel Levy is on good terms with the 51-year-old, something which keeps open the possibility of a reunion in the future.

Nevertheless, the same report suggests that director of football Fabio Paratici is currently not inclined to back the return of Pochettino.

Despite Levy's stance on Pochettino, the opinion of Paratici is allegedly deemed to be key with the Italian overseeing a possible recruitment process alongside Levy.

While the report adds that Levy will make the final decision, there is a suggestion that disagreeing with Paratici may undermine his role at the club.

Fabio Paratici pictured in June 2020 © Reuters

Former Barcelona and Spain boss Luis Enrique is said to be high up on Paratici's radar, although it is unclear whether Spurs will be able to tempt him into a switch to a club that is currently not in the Premier League title picture.

As it stands, Spurs sit in fourth position in the Premier League standings, helped by winning four of their last six matches in the top flight.

Although they sit four points clear of Newcastle United, the Magpies possess two matches in hand, while Liverpool are six points adrift having played a game fewer.

Brighton & Hove Albion also feature in the hunt for Champions League football, the Seagulls also six points behind Spurs but with two fixtures in hand.