Mauricio Pochettino's potential destinations - ranked

Just 11 months after signing on with Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino is on the hunt for a new job.

His time at Stamford Bridge was chaotic but ended on the sort of high that will undoubtedly have intrigued a number of clubs across Europe, although concrete options for Pochettino in the summer of 2024 appear limited.

Here's a look a five potential landing spots for Pochettino.

6. Barcelona

Right, let's just get this one out of the way. Pochettino is not going to join Barcelona.

He made 291 appearances as a player for Espanyol and then spent three years in charge of Barcelona's local rivals. He has openly admitted that his love for Espanyol means he could not move to Camp Nou.

Sure, there's nothing physical stopping him from joining Barcelona, but this one is almost impossible.

Likelihood rating: 0/10

5. Bayern Munich

Links to Bayern Munich, purely because of the presence of Harry Kane (and Eric Dier), were both obvious and intriguing when they first emerged.

Bayern had been desperately scrambling around for a new manager and have been rejected by most of their top targets. Even without Bundesliga experience Pochettino was crucially available and proven in other leagues.

But then, Bayern turned to relative managerial rookie Vincent Kompany and are close to an agreement. The only way they end up approaching Pochettino at this rate is if the Kompany deal falls through unexpectedly.

Likelihood rating: 1/10

4. Juventus

With limited high-level options available this summer, Pochettino may have to take his talents to a new league and try his hand in Serie A.

Juventus are chasing a new boss and may be keen on someone with Pochettino's profile, although the belief is that Juve want their new manager to have experience in Italy.

Thiago Motta of Bologna appears to be the top target, and it's unlikely that Pochettino could force his way above him on the shortlist.

Likelihood rating: 2/10

3. AC Milan

AC Milan are on the hunt for a new manager to replace Stefano Pioli and may be tempted to move for Pochettino.

Reports suggest Milan want a manager with an international status, proven track record with young players and willingness to work closely with board members, and that should make Pochettino a serious candidate.

Pochettino's stock is still based on his triumph with a young core at Tottenham, and it's not as if his work with Chelsea's youngsters was bad either. This one might make some sense.

Likelihood rating: 5/10

2. England

The FA were in talks with Gareth Southgate over extending his contract to 2026 until he himself asked them to hit pause to better focus on Euro 2024. Given recent near misses at tournaments and presiding over England's most talented group of players in a generation, it's certainly plausible he could opt to walk away if this summer ends in disappointment.

Enter, Pochettino. He has never worked in international football before, but it feels like a potential next step if club options are running slightly dry. The Argentine is like an honourary Englishman by now anyway, having lived and worked in the country for most of the last 11 and a half years.

Likelihood rating: 6/10

1. Man Utd

Manchester United have not yet decided to sack Erik ten Hag, and so there's no guarantee this position will even be available. If it is, however, Pochettino would make a great replacement.

Admired by owners both old and new, Pochettino is well aware of life in the Premier League and proved at Chelsea that, with time, he does know how to guide a team through a crisis. It's the least risky appointment Sir Jim Ratcliffe could make, especially considering the club is also starting to make eyes at 38-year-old Kieran McKenna.

However, whether Pochettino would be interested in a third crack at English football, particularly outside London, is unclear.

Likelihood rating: 7/10

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