Mauricio Pochettino, currently managing the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), was among the high-profile figures interviewed by Brentford during their search for a new head coach. The Premier League side ultimately appointed Keith Andrews — an internal candidate who aligns with the club’s culture-driven philosophy — but not before sounding out Pochettino about a potential return to English club football.
Pochettino, who took over as USMNT boss in October 2024 ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil, addressed speculation linking him with Brentford and a potential return to London. Speaking at a recent press conference, Pochettino was quick to express his commitment to the U.S. national team.
“If something happens in the future, you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing,” Pochettino said.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager still maintains a home in London, fueling chatter about his openness to a Premier League comeback. Brentford did engage with the Argentinian tactician as they explored options following Thomas Frank’s departure, alongside talks with former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City boss Steve Cooper.
However, Brentford’s structure — where the head coach works closely within a defined system led by director of football Phil Giles, technical director Lee Dykes, and a strong analytics and coaching team — ultimately pointed them back to an internal solution. Pochettino’s preference for greater autonomy, seen during his time at Chelsea, was not the best fit for Brentford’s collective approach.
In announcing Andrews’ appointment, Brentford emphasized their belief in continuity and internal development. Andrews, who has served as the club’s set-piece coach over the past year, was praised for his deep understanding of Brentford’s culture and playing philosophy.
“Keith is a very good fit. He gets on with everyone, he’s very open and he’s a learner,” said Giles. “He understands the players in the building and the way we’ve played and trained under Thomas Frank.”
While the idea of a marquee name like Pochettino might have appealed on the surface, Brentford chose to stay true to the principles that have helped them thrive in the Premier League: humility, teamwork, and a shared vision. Andrews will now lead the team into the new season, with key players like Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo potentially on the move — and with Pochettino focused on guiding the USMNT toward World Cup success.
