Mauricio Pochettino said the opportunity to coach the United States was one he “couldn’t pass up”.
The Argentine was last night named the new head coach of the USMNT, succeeding Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked in the wake of the team’s group stage exit at the Copa America.
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Pochettino has signed a two-year contract that will run until after the 2026 World Cup that the States will host alongside Canada and Mexico.
“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” Pochettino said.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”
Several big names were linked with the job – including former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – but Pochettino was always the frontrunner after being championed by US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who worked with him at Southampton.
Crocker said: “Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
Matt Crocker and JT Batson detail how they got their man. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aj2JWa9Tr6
— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024
News of Pochettino’s appointment came just before the team’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand – the latest in a series of disappointing performances.
Pochettino will have just eight international windows to mould a cohesive unit that can make a competitive tilt at the World Cup.
The 52-year-old was out of work after being sacked by Chelsea at the end of last season, despite seemingly getting the club back on an even keel after a difficult start.
That followed stints at Espanyol, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain. His achievements include leading Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool, and claiming the Ligue 1 title with PSG.
“Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape,” said US Soccer CEO JT Batson.
“His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
“Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that US Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special.”
Pochettino’s first game in charge comes next month when the US face Panama in a friendly in Austin, Texas. They then take on Mexico in Guadalajara three days later.
