March 31 (Reuters) - Former Tottenham Hotspur manager ⁠Mauricio Pochettino has backed the relegation-threatened club to avoid the drop from the ⁠Premier League, while stressing that his full focus is on leading the United ‌States at the World Cup.

The 54-year-old Argentine is preparing to take charge of the tournament's co-hosts when the World Cup kicks off on June 11 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

His name has again been linked with ​the Spurs job as they continue their search for a ⁠new permanent coach following the sacking ⁠of Thomas Frank in February. Interim manager Igor Tudor left the London club on Sunday.

Former ⁠Brighton & ‌Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi is in advanced talks to become Spurs' next head coach, British media reported.

"With my connection to Tottenham, it's impossible to feel ⁠nothing about Tottenham, about the club, the people that work ​there, and about the fans. ‌That was one of the best experiences of my life," Pochettino told reporters ahead ⁠of Tuesday's friendly ​against Portugal.

"That's my wish, and I am sure they're going to stay up, with a coach or without a coach, because of the players. I think there are the players and then it's ⁠a club with fans that are going to make ​everything to create the energy to win..."