Report: Two former Tottenham managers are on shortlist for Belgium job

According to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino could be set to take an international job with Belgium after Roberto Martinez was sacked from the role following the 2022 World Cup.

Martinez had been the manager of Belgium since 2016, but was removed from his position after a poor showing in the World Cup in Qatar which saw the highly-rated nation bow out in the group stages. He has since taken on the top job with Portugal as of January 9, 2023.

Mauricio Pochettino
FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

Pochettino meanwhile, has been out of a job since the summer, when he was dismissed as PSG manager. The Argentine has previously told the BBC (BBC1 27/11/22 via Evening Standard) that he is keen to return to management and would be open to taking on an international role.

After a five-year spell with Spurs between 2014 and 2019, Pochettino became a real fan-favourite at the club and there has been talk that he may return.

Indeed, multiple reports lately have suggested the manager will take over from Antonio Conte should the Italian refuse a new contract with Spurs (Daily Mail and Evening Standard).

However, it appears Pochettino’s options could lead him into international football, if the latest rumour is to be believed. Apparently, the 50-year-old is on the shortlist for the Belgium job, along with former Germany boss Joachim Low, and former Spurs and Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The report remarks how Pochettino is “no stranger to Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld,” who remain at the heart of the Belgium defence. Perhaps this link could enhance his chances of nabbing the job.

Spurs Web Opinion

I know there are a lot of fans who want Pochettino back at Spurs, but as much as I enjoyed his time with the club, I think we need to move on and so does he. The Belgium project could be a good fit for him, as he looks to bring through a new generation of players for the nation.

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