Pochettino may emerge new US national team manager

• Published On: 15 August 2024 at 18:04

Mauricio Pochettino, the former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, is set to take over the US Men's National Team, according to multiple sources.

This development comes after the previous coach, Gregg Berhalter, was fired following a disappointing group-stage exit from this summer's Copa América.

On Thursday, football journalist Fabrizio Romano stated via X that "Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the US to the World Cup in 2026." According to reports in the US overnight, the former Chelsea and Spurs head coach has agreed to the proposal and project after consulting with multiple managers.

According to The Athletic, Pochettino "has agreed to become the next head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team."



This appointment is a watershed moment for US Soccer, as they secure a high-profile manager with a proven track record at the club level.

Pochettino has led Southampton to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, achieved record league finishes with Tottenham Hotspur, including a Champions League final appearance in 2019, and won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Related News: Chelsea and Pochettino parted ways with immediate effect.
Chelsea players love Pochettino and must fight for him, says Palmer.
EPL: Pochettino slams Chelsea flops following Burnley draw.
Most recently, he led Chelsea to sixth place and European qualification for the 2023-24 season.

While Pochettino has never managed a national team, his appointment is consistent with U.S. Soccer's objectives.
According to The Athletic, US Soccer's sporting director

Matt Crocker previously emphasised the federation's commitment to acquiring top talent, saying, "It's a priority." We are prepared to invest in it, and we will do so."

Interestingly, Crocker and Pochettino previously worked together at Southampton, where Crocker led the club's academy.

Pochettino's tactical approach is known for emphasizing positional play, controlling space, and employing an aggressive pressing style.

This appointment begins a new chapter for the USMNT as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico.