It’s official, Mauricio Pochettino is the new coach of the United States, the American Soccer Federation announced Tuesday. Free since his departure from Chelsea this summer, he replaces Gregg Berhalter, sacked in July after the elimination in the group stage of the Copa America.
“We are going to build something special”
“Mauricio is a serial winner who has a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams,” said U.S. Football Federation sporting director Matt Crocker. “His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident he is the best choice to unlock the immense potential of our talented team.”
Host nation of the Copa America, the United States suffered a pitiful elimination in the group stages of the competition played on home soil after two defeats (Uruguay, Panama) and one victory (Bolivia). The team hopes to show a better face at the 2026 World Cup that it will organize jointly with Mexico and Canada. No details on the duration of his contract have been given, but Pochettino will have to lead the team at the next World Cup.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we will build something special that the whole nation can be proud of,” the coach said. Pochettino left Chelsea in May after just one season in charge and has previously coached Paris Saint-Germain – where he knew the attacking trio Messi/Neymar/Mbappé -, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Espanyol Barcelona.
The Argentine managed to lead Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019, and played a key role in the development of England captain Harry Kane. He is the second non-American to be appointed to the role, after Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann, who left in 2016. His first match on the American bench is scheduled for October 12 against Panama.
- RMC Sport
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