Mauricio Pochettino says he is not interested in the vacant coaching post with his native Argentina because he is happy at Premier League side Tottenham Hotsur.
The 44-year-old Argentine, who turned Spurs into title contenders last season before they faded in the final few weeks and ended up third, said it was natural that being in charge of a high-profile club would see him linked with his country's top job.
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"I think the speculation is normal because I am an Argentinian coach at a top club in England," Pochettino, presently in Australia on Tottenham's pre-season tour, where they were beaten 2-1 by Italian champions Juventus in Melbourne on Tuesday, was quoted as saying in several British newspapers.
“There are a lot of rumours that appear in the media but I am happy at Tottenham and for that reason, this is not the right moment.”
The Argentina post became available when Gerardo Martino resigned days after losing to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final on penalties for the second successive year.
On the field, Italian champions Juventus scored two early goals and held off a strong finish to down Tottenham 2-1 in the International Champions Cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Turin giants, who won a fifth consecutive Serie A championship this season, struck early through Paulo Dybala and Medhi Benatia to lead 2-0 at half time.
Erik Lamela sparked a Spurs comeback when he came on for the second half, scoring a goal and almost grabbing another.
“It was a good test against one of the toughest teams in next season’s Champions League,” Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said.
Spurs paid dearly early on for failing to clear the ball when defender Dominic Ball lost possession and Roberto Pereyra picked out fellow Argentine Dybala. Dybala went one-on-one with Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm and found the bottom corner.
The Spurs defenders were punished again when they failed to clear a corner and Moroccan Benatia headed home after 14 minutes.
Tottenham pulled a goal back in the 67th minute when playmaker Lamela finished neatly after Victor Wanyama won possession on halfway.
Lamela almost scored again but his shot was beaten down by Juve goalkeeper Neto.
“It was a very good second half and in the end I’m happy. It’s not about the result, it’s about pre-season,” Pochettino said.
“It was a great experience for us. Lots of things to learn and lots of positives. I’m very pleased with our young players.”
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