Mauricio Pochettino reveals he never saw himself managing Barcelona while adding that Real Madrid would make a ‘dream job’ for him.
Mauricio Pochettino says he never received an offer from Barcelona and further clarified comments he once made on managing the Catalan side.
The Argentine manager was linked with the vacancy at Camp Nou following the dismissal of Quique Setien. In the end, the La Liga giants opted for club legend Ronald Koeman to usher the club into a new era.
Pochettino, who departed Tottenham in November last year, was asked about the Barca speculation.
“They didn’t offer me to coach Barca,” he told El Partidazo de COPE. “I didn’t see myself with [president Josep Maria] Bartomeu.
“I did eat with Ramon Planes because we have a friendship for many years, since 2009 when he signed for Espanyol.”
Pochettino once welcomed the idea of coaching Barcelona after initial comments he’ll never consider the job due to his links with Espanyol. The 48-year-old also clarified those comments.
“I was ironic then,” he continued.
“It was my first news conference at Tottenham and they asked me about the Barca rumors. Then I answered with my irony and I think I went too far, I said what I said.”
“It sounds very nice for the radical Espanyol fan but I did not want to speak for that radical fan. Nor do I have to justify any statement because no one can question my love for Espanyol.”
Pochettino remains without a job since departing Tottenham last November. In recent months, he has been linked with the likes of PSG, Inter, and Juventus.
Thomas Tuchel remains in charge of PSG, Juve turned to Andrea Pirlo and Inter have opted to continue with Antonio Conte. The Argentine boss says he has no offer from any of the aforementioned clubs.
“Neither PSG, nor Juventus, nor Inter Milan [made offers in the off-season],” Pochettino added. “I did have a call from Benfica and Monaco. I have no need to lie.”
Finally, Pochettino spoke about his links with Real Madrid. The 48-year-old snubbed Los Blancos in 2018, deciding to honour his contract with Premier League side Tottenham at the time.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever coach Madrid, but of course it’s my dream.”
“If it’s not the best it’s one of the best clubs in the world. I’m no different, everyone has it on their dream list.”
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