Pochettino Reveals How Ex-Tottenham Boss Sabotaged His Dream Real Madrid Transfer

United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino disclosed that he previously had a chance to take charge of Real Madrid, but former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy prevented the potential transfer.

Pochettino finds himself back in focus as the USMNT prepares for two international exhibition matches during the September international window. The 53-year-old faces mounting pressure to ensure the Stars and Stripes are optimally prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, presenting a distinct challenge compared to his previous managerial roles at European clubs.

Throughout his career managing teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Pochettino never took charge of a premier Spanish club before transitioning to international management. However, Real Madrid reportedly considered the Argentine as Zinedine Zidane's replacement in 2018, though Levy blocked the transfer.

"When Zidane departed Madrid, the opportunity naturally presented itself," Pochettino stated on El Chiringuito TV. "I had committed to Levy that I would remain [at Tottenham] until the [new] stadium was completed.

"At that time, I indicated I would join Madrid if Levy approved the move. I'm uncertain what transpired afterward, but clearly he didn't provide his consent," Pochettino disclosed.

Following Zidane's guidance of Los Blancos to an unprecedented Champions League hat-trick, the French manager departed the club alongside Cristiano Ronaldo before the 2018–2019 season. During that period, Pochettino remained contracted to Tottenham and couldn't orchestrate a major move to the Spanish capital without Levy's backing.

"I'm unsure how Florentino Pérez reacted, but the situation wasn't my responsibility. I wasn't available as a free agent. That's football - sometimes chances pass you by," Pochettino explained.

Real Madrid eventually hired Julen Lopetegui, who survived just three months into their 2018–2019 season. Santiago Solari subsequently assumed control until March before Zidane returned. Throughout this period, Pochettino stayed in north London.

Six years later, the former Spurs manager now aims to improve the USMNT. Pochettino's initial period leading the Stars and Stripes hasn't proceeded as expected; the squad couldn't retain their Concacaf Nations League crown and subsequently finished second in the Gold Cup.

With key players, including Christian Pulisic, returning to availability for September, Pochettino will be determined to move past a challenging summer period.