Mauricio Pochettino named USMNT coach

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named as the new head coach of the United States men’s team. 

The Argentine replaces Gregg Berhalther, who after USA’s group stage exit from Copa America was sacked in July. 

The statement came before the USA’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand in an international friendly game in Cincinnati.

The 52-year-old said it was an opportunity "I couldn't pass up".

"The decision to join US Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on," he added.

"The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here - those are the things that inspired me.

"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."

US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker orchestrated the search for Berhalter’s successor and spent time at Southampton when Pochettino was at the helm at St Mary’s. 

"Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams," said Crocker.

"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."

Pochettino took charge of Southampton after a spell at Espanyol before joining Tottenham and leading them to the 2019 Champions Trophy final. 

He went on to coach Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea, leaving the West London club in May after a season as manager in which they finished sixth in the Premier League standings. 

The US will co-host the upcoming World Cup (2026) with Mexico and Canada. 

They are placed 16th in the Fifa rankings, one position below Euro 2024 quarter-finals Switzerland.   

Pochettino’s appointment means the US men’s and women’s sides are both now managed by former Chelsea coaches after Emma Hayes joined as the coach of the women’s team earlier this year. 

This is a desired job that has been pursued by big names- with Rafa Benitez among those who looked at it as a great opportunity. 

The ex-Chelsea boss was interviewed in Barcelona by USA Soccer members including sporting director Matt Crocker, who led the academy at Southampton when Pochettino was the first-team boss. 

The role was looked upon greatly not just because the next World Cup is in the USA, but also because the US boss will help better processes within the federation to make things more smoothly and efficiently. 

Pochettino will meet again with Emma Hayes, who worked together at Chelsea- and will certainly sit down and exchange information in their respective roles. 

Chelsea players were disappointed to see him leave but the USA job is the perfect fit for him to utilise his talent in a project that can make him delighted as he was for the majority of his time at Espanyol, Southampton and Tottenham- where he can hopefully take the team to greater heights.