Former Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to coach the U.S. men's national team, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the talks between Pochettino and U.S. Soccer.
Mauricio Pochettino, the highly regarded Argentine manager, has emerged as the frontrunner to take the helm of the U.S. men's national team, multiple sources with knowledge of the ongoing negotiations have confirmed to FOX Sports.
Pochettino, a 52-year-old with a proven track record of success at some of Europe's top clubs, is available after parting ways with Chelsea following the 2023-24 season. A U.S. Soccer Federation spokesperson has declined to comment on the matter.
Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Top Candidate for U.S. Men's National Team Coach
The pursuit of Pochettino is part of a thorough process by U.S. Soccer to identify a high-profile manager with a winning pedigree. The federation's sporting director, Matt Crocker, initially met with Pochettino in Europe in mid-July, as part of a series of discussions with several prominent coaches.
Other potential candidates considered by the federation include former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, ex-England coach Gareth Southgate, and current Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo. Patrick Vieira, who recently left Strasbourg in France's Ligue 1, was also reportedly contacted.
According to sources, U.S. Soccer had reportedly offered the position to Matarazzo, a New Jersey native, but subsequent reports indicated that he decided to remain with Hoffenheim instead.
Pochettino's availability and reputation as one of the top managers in the world make him an attractive option for the USMNT, which is seeking a new coach following the departure of Gregg Berhalter after the team's disappointing performance at the Copa América.
Crocker has emphasized the federation's willingness to invest in a "serial winning coach," a description that aptly fits Pochettino's profile. During his tenure at Tottenham, he led the club to the 2019 Champions League final, and at PSG, he won league and cup titles. At Chelsea, he guided the team from 12th to sixth in the Premier League in his sole season at the helm.
Pochettino's appointment would be a significant coup for the USMNT, which is aiming to establish itself as a global force in the sport. With his experience and achievements, Pochettino would bring a wealth of knowledge and tactical acumen to the U.S. team, as well as the potential to attract top talent and elevate the program to new heights.
