Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of the United States men's national soccer team, believes Tottenham Hotspur should be awarded the 2017 Premier League title, which was won by Chelsea. This assertion comes in the wake of Chelsea admitting to making secret payments exceeding £47 million to unregistered agents and third parties between 2011 and 2018, a period that included the transfer for Eden Hazard.
Pochettino, who managed both clubs, stated that if Tottenham were found to have broken similar rules, he would agree with the title being rescinded. "We should win one title, one Premier League," Pochettino said. "We should have been awarded it. They were punished. They admitted it. The title should be for the team that was second."
Chelsea was fined by the Premier League this year for the financial rule breaches but avoided sporting sanctions because the offenses were self-reported and the club cooperated with the investigation. Pochettino suggested that such breaches could have provided an unfair advantage. "Maybe with the same rules we could've signed some players that would have made the team better or scored more goals," he explained. "It's not me complaining, it's the truth."
Pochettino managed Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, leading the club to its most successful recent era, including a Premier League runners-up finish and a Champions League final appearance. This was achieved on a restricted budget, partly due to investment in a new stadium and training ground. During one period from January 2018 to July 2019, Spurs did not make any signings.
He also revealed that Tottenham contacted him earlier this year when the club was in a difficult mid-season position and perilously close to relegation. "Yes, but in this moment they called everyone, all the coaches, those free and not free," Pochettino said. He added that if he had been available, he would have returned to the club, even if they were in the Championship. "If I was free, of course, I come. But I wasn't free. I was preparing the World Cup."
Tottenham ultimately secured Roberto De Zerbi on a long-term contract. Pochettino expressed that the timing was never optimal for a reunion. "When I was free, I never received a contact and then when I was working, I received a contact, but I cannot make the decision to come back. A little bit unlucky. Maybe one day the stars will align and it can happen."
Despite his departure from Tottenham in 2019, Pochettino maintains a connection with the club and its former chairman, Daniel Levy, with whom he remains in contact. He expressed sympathy for Levy's recent ousting as chairman after 25 years.
Pochettino's focus is now on his role with the U.S. men's national team, having signed a new four-year contract after the World Cup. He described international management as "more pure" and intense, enjoying the short, focused periods with motivated players.
He also offered his backing for England captain Harry Kane to win the Ballon d'Or, stating, "It's Harry Kane's time. It's not clear today who is number one in the world and should win. In the past, it was more clear. He deserves it in his career and if I am to pick one then it's Harry Kane."