MAURICIO POCHETTINO

What we know so far...

U.S. Soccer is setting its sights high in its search for a new men's national team head coach, with Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, emerging as a prime candidate, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Though U.S. Soccer is still evaluating several options, Pochettino's name stands out among the contenders. The Argentine tactician is reportedly in discussions with U.S. Soccer, though the federation has remained tight-lipped about specific candidates.

Should U.S. Soccer land Pochettino, it would be a major coup—especially as the fanbase clamors for a high-profile appointment. While Pochettino has never managed at the international level, his club resume is sterling. He transformed Southampton into a top-half Premier League side, led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019, and captured a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain. Most recently, he guided Chelsea to a respectable sixth-place finish and European qualification before parting ways at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Pochettino's connection with U.S. Soccer's sporting director, Matt Crocker, adds another layer to the story. The two crossed paths during Pochettino's tenure at Southampton when Crocker was heading up the club's academy before leaving to join the Football Association in late 2013.

The speculation around Pochettino’s potential appointment was first sparked by Argentine outlet Olé, and now, with September's international window approaching, the pressure is on for U.S. Soccer to make a decision. However, sources suggest that the federation is prepared to have Mikey Varas, the former U.S. U-20 coach and current senior team assistant, lead the team in upcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.

The U.S. men's national team has been without a head coach since Gregg Berhalter's dismissal following a disappointing group-stage exit at the Copa América this summer. Berhalter, who had been at the helm from December 2018 to December 2022, and then again from June 2023 to July 2024, saw his tenure end after a lackluster showing in the tournament.

Bringing in Pochettino would mark the most high-profile coaching hire for U.S. Soccer since Jurgen Klinsmann, a former World Cup winner as a player. Unlike Klinsmann, whose reputation was built on his playing career, Pochettino has earned his accolades through his managerial prowess, particularly with teams that prioritize positional play, high pressing, and attacking football.

At 52, Pochettino is likely to command one of the highest salaries in the sport—he was among the top-paid coaches during his stints at PSG and Chelsea. However, Matt Crocker has indicated that U.S. Soccer is prepared to make a significant financial investment to secure the right leader.

“The market is extremely competitive, especially when it comes to salaries,” Crocker said. “But we’re committed to bringing in a coach who can elevate our program and achieve the results we want on the field. It’s a priority, and it’s an investment we’re ready to make.”

What to expect if Poch is hired?

• Formation: Pochettino has often favored a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, both of which could suit the current USMNT talent pool.

• High Press: Expect the team to press aggressively, especially in the opponent’s half, with players like Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie leading the charge.

• Positional Play: The emphasis will be on maintaining structure, with fullbacks pushing forward to provide width and midfielders like Musah and Reyna tasked with breaking lines through dribbles or passes.

• Counter-Attacks: Speed in transition will be key, with Pulisic, Weah, and Balogun likely central to quick counter-attacks.

Pochettino’s potential impact on the USMNT would likely be seen in a more organized, tactically disciplined team with a clear emphasis on pressing and counter-attacking, leveraging the youthful energy and versatility of the squad.

Honestly, outside of everything else… it would incredibly excited and what I think would be a hire at the caliber of Emma Hayes on the women’s side.