Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League campaign may be in disarray, but they have managed to exceed expectations in the UEFA Champions League so far this season.
Under Thomas Frank, they finished fourth in the group phase and earned a place in the Round of 16 directly as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg later today.
Tottenham don’t really have good memories at the Wanda Metropolitano, having lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final in 2019 under Mauricio Pochettino.
In recent weeks, the Argentine has been a massive talking point at N17, with reports suggesting he could return to the club.
He is expected to be in the stands at the Metropolitano, but the reason behind his presence in Spain may not go down well with the Tottenham faithful.
Real Madrid looking to snatch Pochettino
Earlier this year, Pochettino appeared to welcome links with a return to Tottenham, suggesting that an emotional reunion could well be on the cards.
However, ESPN sources have now thrown a spanner into the works of the club’s managerial search.
They claim that Pochettino is wanted by Real Madrid, who are on the lookout for a permanent manager to replace Alvaro Arbeloa after Xabi Alonso’s sacking.
Over the years, Real Madrid have got what they wanted more often than not, be it a player or a manager.
And with the game being held in the Spanish capital, Pochettino’s decision to attend the game is only adding fuel to the fire as he prepares to watch Tottenham from the stands for the first time since leaving the club.
Another theory
What we know so far is that Tottenham are really interested in bringing Pochettino back to the club, while Real Madrid’s interest should be taken with a pinch of salt as there haven’t been widespread reports on it, barring ESPN.
The Athletic have revealed a key bit of information that could put Tottenham fans at ease, though.
They claim that Pochettino will be Atletico’s guest for the game, with Johnny Cardoso set to take centre stage as he pushes for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the USA.
If it’s just a scouting trip that has coincidentally brought him to Madrid, then Tottenham fans can be at ease. However, if Florentino Perez decides he’s the man, don’t be surprised to see the La Liga giants step up their pursuit in the coming weeks.
