Richard Keys believes a “world-class” coach should decline the Tottenham Hotspur job following the appointment of Igor Tudor.

Richard Keys has urged Mauricio Pochettino to turn down any move back to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, insisting the Argentine has “nothing to gain” from a return.

Spurs dismissed Thomas Frank earlier this week after managing just two wins in 17 Premier League matches, a run capped by a home defeat to Newcastle United that left them five points above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining. The club have since appointed former Juventus boss Igor Tudor as interim head coach until the end of the season.

Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States men’s national soccer team and preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, is reportedly among the leading candidates for the permanent role. He is expected to step down after the tournament, with a return to north London said to be a strong possibility.

However, speaking on beIN Sports, Keys argued that Pochettino should steer clear of a reunion, describing the position as a potential poisoned chalice. He compared the situation to managerial returns elsewhere, suggesting such moves rarely deliver the desired outcome.

Although Pochettino enjoyed significant success during his previous spell at Spurs, the game has moved on since his departure. Subsequent stints at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and with the United States have drawn mixed reviews. While there is sentimental appeal in revisiting the club where he built his reputation, history suggests second spells seldom match the impact of the first.