Pochettino Reveals Behind the Failure of His Negotiations with Real Madrid

Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, the current coach of the United States national team, revealed the details behind the failure of his previous move to coach Real Madrid, indicating that his commitment to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was the main reason behind the failure of the negotiations.

Pochettino told the Spanish program “El Chiringuito”: “As a player, I had the opportunity to join Real Madrid, but it didn’t happen. As a coach, I also had more than one opportunity, but football depends on timing and circumstances.”

He added: “After Zinedine Zidane left, there was a real possibility of me taking over at Real Madrid. I told Levy at the time that I would go if he gave me his approval, but he didn’t give the green light. I was bound by a contract, and I wasn’t free to make my own decision.”

He continued: “I don’t know how Florentino Perez took it, but the situation was not in my hands. I gave Levi my word that I would stay until the new Tottenham stadium was completed, and I am a person who keeps my promises. Maybe the time wasn’t right then, but as they say: it’s never too late if the opportunity arises again.”