Redknapp doubts Pochettino will return to Tottenham

Harry Redknapp has doubts over whether fellow former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will return for a second spell in charge.

Pochettino was linked with the job prior to the departure of Antonio Conte, whose exit was confirmed on Sunday.

Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini will be in interim charge for the rest of the season – and Redknapp believes that may be significant.

Redknapp told Talksport he was “a bit surprised” Pochettino was not appointed – and that it might indicate that the Argentine will not be returning.

Redknapp added: “Pochettino is there, he’s available, lives not far away, not working at the moment, he looked an obvious choice that they would slip him in now with 10 games to go and try to make that Champions League spot.

“Not giving it to him now, I’m not sure now whether at the end of the season they would. They’ve maybe got reservations about taking him back again.

“He doesn’t become a red-hot favourite in my eyes now after them not not giving it to him today.”

Conte, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, left the club in the wake of an extraordinary post-match press conference after the recent draw at Southampton.

The Italian criticised the players and the club’s hierarchy, leaving his position seeming untenable.

He left with Spurs fourth in the Premier League table.