Pochettino expresses regret over saying he'd never accept Barcelona job

Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to coach Barcelona in the future as he admits discounting the possibility earlier was an exaggeration.

Mauricio Pochettino was linked with taking over at FC Barcelona following the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde in January this year.

The Argentinian tactician’s name also popped up frequently in the media when Barca were in search of a manager yet again seven months later, after reliving Quique Setien of his duties.

Both times, though, the Catalan giants’ fanbase was divided on the idea of seeing him as their club’s head coach.

Those in favor argued that Pochettino was quite influential at Tottenham and hence would be the right man to take Barca forward. On the other hand, those against him based their arguments on a provoking statement had made earlier.

“I would prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than go to work in certain places,” the former Espanyol player and manager said in 2018, directing his comments to Barcelona.

Speaking to the Spanish media this week, however, Pochettino insisted that his intentions have now been revised.

“I think the statements made the [Barca] fans reluctant to accept me, but at no time did I receive an offer to manage Barca,” he said, as per Goal.

“I was wrong in the way I conveyed that it would be impossible in the future to manage Barcelona. I exaggerated by not leaving an iota of doubt.

“It is clear that everyone who knows me knows that, from my past and a lot of things, it would be difficult to relate my name to the club. There are things that cannot be put together.”