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Mauricio Pochettino and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) are in talks for Pochettino to take over as head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to The Associated Press.
While the deal has yet to be finalised, former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Pochettino is expected to take up the reins soon.
The 52-year-old Argentine will replace Gregg Berhalter as head coach of the United States, which will co-host the 2026 World Cup in less than two years. Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 after a short break, but was fired after the United States was eliminated in the first round of the Copa America.
Once the deal is completed, Pochettino will become the first foreign coach to lead the U.S. men’s national team since Jurgen Klinsmann, who held the position from 2011 to 2016. The U.S. Soccer Federation declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.
Pochettino’s coaching career spans several top European clubs, including Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur in Spain, Chelsea in England and Paris Saint-Germain in France, where he won the 2021 Ligue 1 title. His relationship with US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker dates back to their time together at Southampton, when Crocker was the academy director.
The U.S. men’s national team will play in a series of friendlies, including against Canada on Sept. 7 and New Zealand three days later. Competitive play will resume in November with a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal. Assistant coach Micky Wallace is likely to lead the team in the September friendlies, with Pochettino expected to take over for the October games.
Once in office, Pochettino will inherit a team featuring European stars such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, but he will also face challenges, including inconsistent playing time for key players and disciplinary issues. The new coach will be tasked with preparing for the 2026 World Cup, a key opportunity for American soccer on the global stage.
A former centre-back, Pochettino had a successful career in Argentina and Europe, playing for clubs such as Newell’s Old Boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux. He also made 20 appearances for Argentina, playing in the 1999 Copa America and the 2002 World Cup. As a coach, he is known for improving his squad and developing young talent, notably leading Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final.
The U.S. men’s national team and its fans are currently awaiting official confirmation as Pochettino is set to take charge of the national team during a crucial period for American soccer.
Source: AP
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