Arsenal: Brendan Rodgers ‘best man for the job’ says pundit
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly open to taking the Arsenal job and is readying himself for a return to management after being sacked by Tottenham. The Argentine has spent some time back in his homeland following Spurs’ decision two weeks ago, but now he is eyeing a fresh challenge.
Pochettino is among the candidates to replace Unai Emery, who was relieved of his duties at London Colney on Friday morning.
But he is not the only figure in the frame, as the Arsenal board begin the selection process, which is likely to be given all the time it needs.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Pochettino remains open to taking the Arsenal job despite his previous connection to Spurs.
Express Sport understands that Pochettino had a clause in his Tottenham contract which means he’d have to pay back his £12.5million compensation pay-off should he wish to take another Premier League job.
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly open to the Arsenal job despite his clause with Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
He has also been linked with Manchester United this week, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under increasing pressure.
Pochettino appeared to rule out ever taking the Arsenal job last year while manager of Tottenham, but that stance may have changed now he has been relieved of his duties.
He said at the time: "I would never train Barcelona or Arsenal because I am tied to Tottenham.
“I grew up at Newell's and I would never train Rosario Central.
"This is my decision. I would prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than to go and work in certain places."
Pochettino again declared his admiration for Tottenham and their supporters during a statement recently published by the League Managers Association.
"I would like to thank [owner] Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy for giving me the opportunity to be part of Tottenham Hotspur's history," said Pochettino.
"I would like to thank also everyone I met at Tottenham, all the club staff and the football players during these five-and-a-half years.
"Finally I would like to give a special mention to the fans who make this club so great with their fantastic support.
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