Pochettino admits possible indirect AC Milan contact as speculation grows over his future ahead of the World Cup with the USA

Mauricio Pochettino, former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager and current head coach of the United States men’s national team, on Thursday addressed speculation linking him with a potential move to AC Milan, as he continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

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Pochettino AC Milan contact claim follows reports from Italy suggesting that the Serie A club have explored managerial options after the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, amid a disappointing season that ended without UEFA Champions League qualification for the second year in a row.

Speaking after a training session, Pochettino insisted he had not held direct talks with AC Milan officials, but acknowledged that discussions through intermediaries may have taken place.

When asked whether he had spoken to the club’s hierarchy, he replied firmly: “No.”

However, he added a more ambiguous clarification when questioned about indirect contact, saying: “Maybe, possible, because they need to do their job.”

Pochettino stressed that such situations are common in modern football, suggesting that representation and informal enquiries are part of normal professional processes.

“If I met someone, what happened? What is going to change if I met someone?” he said, downplaying the significance of the speculation.

Despite the ongoing rumours, the Argentine coach reiterated that his immediate focus remains on the United States national team, who are preparing to co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico starting on 11 June.

He also confirmed discussions with United States Soccer Federation chief executive JT Batson regarding a potential extension beyond the tournament, indicating openness to continuing his long-term project with the national side.

“He asked if we are open to listen [to] the project of the federation for the next four years,” Pochettino said. “And we said of course we are open.”

Batson, in separate comments, praised Pochettino’s transparency and commitment, noting that the coach has been open about external interest while remaining engaged with the US Soccer project.

Pochettino last managed in club football during the 2023 to 2024 season with Chelsea, guiding them to a sixth-place Premier League finish and a Carabao Cup final appearance.

Prior to that, he won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France with Paris Saint-Germain and famously led Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

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AC Milan are currently in a rebuilding phase following the dismissal of Allegri after a fifth-place Serie A finish, which the club described as an “unequivocal failure” despite securing Europa League qualification.