According to Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny, it would be a “crazy” development if Tottenham Hotspur were to replace Antonio Conte with Mauricio Pochettino this summer.
The Lowdown: Contact with Levy
The Argentine left the north London club two-and-a-half years ago, with his departure coming just a few months after he took Spurs all the way to the Champions League final, where they lost out to Premier League rivals Liverpool.
It was reported by The Times last week that Conte would be interested in replacing the 50-year-old at the Parc des Princes, with Pochettino's job at PSG recently coming under increasing threat. It has been claimed by a French source that Daniel Levy has continued to maintain contact with the Argentine and will attempt to bring him back to N17, should the current managerial situation change.
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Former Leeds United goalkeeper Kenny believes that Pochettino would be a perfect appointment for Spurs, should the Italian be dismissed.
The Latest: Kenny backs Spurs return for Pochettino
Speaking about the prospective managerial exchange during an interview with Football Insider, the Irishman told correspondent Ben Wild: “Could they just swap over? If that happens it would be crazy, wouldn’t it? He has been linked with a return to England.
“The fact he’s going to lose his job is incredible. He was heavily linked with the Man United job for a while but obviously, that hasn’t worked out for him.
“Football is a crazy game and I wouldn’t be surprised if Poch does go back at some point. If he is available and Conte goes, it’s a no brainer to get him in. The fans love him.
“It would kind of help the club from their point of view in that the fans will be angry if Conte goes. So if they bring back this manager that is loved, it kind of takes the heat off them.”
The Verdict: Return on the cards?
When Conte arrived in north London last November, he only signed an initial short-term contract with Tottenham which is set to expire in 2023, so whether or not he stays at the helm is likely to depend on Spurs’ final position in the league table at the end of this month.
The Lilywhites currently find themselves sitting fifth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four with five games to go.
Pochettino won a staggering loved by many associated with the club, so should Spurs fail to secure that all-important Champions League spot, there could end up being a surprise return on the cards for the Argentine.
In other news… one ‘quality’ Tottenham player could be facing a move away from the club this summer