Pochettino targeting Premier League and Champions League glory as he eyes return to England

Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged he is eyeing a return to the Premier League one day, with the aim of winning the English top flight and the Champions League.

The Argentine spent six years in England, initially replacing Nigel Adkins at Southampton in January 2013, and guiding the Saints away from the threat of relegation.

Pochettino then succeeded Tim Sherwood at Tottenham in 2014 and, three years later, led them to a second-place finish in the Premier League.

Spurs also reached the Champions League final in 2019 following a dramatic turnaround against Ajax in the semi-finals, but missed out on glory after a 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.

Pochettino, whose two-year contract with the United States expires next September, is gearing up to lead the co-hosts at the 2026 World Cup, but the 53-year-old has half an eye on returning to the other side of the Atlantic.

"I watch a lot. The Premier League is the best in the world," he told BBC Sport. "Of course, I miss it.

"I am so happy in the USA, but I am always thinking about returning one day. It is the most competitive league and, of course, I would love to come back again.

"[My aim is] to win the Premier League and the Champions League. We were so close at Tottenham. I want to achieve this. I am still young, I have the energy, experience and motivation to try in the future."

However, his current focus is the Stars and Stripes, who were drawn alongside Paraguay and Australia in Group D for next year's finals, and he is relishing leading the nation into the tournament.

"It is going to be amazing," he added. "The USA is an amazing country, with amazing people and fans. I invite people to go and visit America, and share the excitement. It is a massive opportunity for the USA."