Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has acknowledged that there has been contact connected to AC Milan’s search for a new head coach following the departure of Massimiliano Allegri.
The Argentine tactician is currently concentrating on leading the United States men’s national team into this summer’s FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term future, with his current deal expected to expire after the tournament.
Reports from Italy suggested that AC Milan had initiated discussions with the 54-year-old manager as the Serie A club seeks a fresh start after failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League once again.
Speaking after a training session on Thursday, Pochettino denied personally meeting with Milan officials but hinted that his representatives may have held conversations on his behalf.
When asked directly if he had spoken with AC Milan executives, he replied, “No.”
However, responding to questions about whether his agents had engaged in talks, he stated that such discussions were possible because representatives are expected to explore future opportunities.
Pochettino stressed that it is normal for his management team to seek the best options regarding his future, adding that having discussions does not necessarily change his current commitment.
The former Paris Saint-Germain coach also disclosed that he has already discussed the possibility of extending his stay with the United States national team beyond the 2026 World Cup.
According to him, officials of the US Soccer Federation have presented plans for the next four years, and he remains open to listening to the project.
US Soccer Federation chief executive JT Batson also praised Pochettino’s transparency regarding interest from other clubs, noting that the coach strongly believes in the growth of football in the United States and in the national team project.
Pochettino last managed in club football during the 2023–24 season with Chelsea, where he guided the Premier League side to a sixth-place finish and reached the Carabao Cup final.
Before his stint at Chelsea, he won the Ligue 1 title and French Cup with Paris Saint-Germain and famously led Tottenham Hotspur to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are searching for a new direction after dismissing Allegri earlier this week. The Italian giants finished fifth in Serie A and missed Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season despite securing a Europa League spot.
Club officials reportedly described the campaign as a major disappointment.