Mauricio Pochettino has verbally agreed to become the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). Pochettino’s contract with Chelsea poses no barriers to his new role, and no compensation is owed to the club. Chelsea is exploring third-party sponsorships to cover any potential salary shortfalls.
- Pochettino has agreed to become the new head coach of the USMNT.
- No compensation is required from Chelsea for his transition.
- The USSF board of directors is expected to approve the deal soon.
Pochettino’s Managerial Journey
Mauricio Pochettino, born on March 2, 1972, in Murphy, Argentina, holds dual citizenship in Argentina and Spain. Known for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Pochettino has an average coaching term of 2.64 years. His managerial career includes stints at several top clubs:
- Chelsea FC (2023-2024): Managed 51 matches with a points-per-match (PPM) of 1.78.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2022): Managed 84 matches with a PPM of 2.15.
- Tottenham Hotspur (2014-2019): Managed 293 matches with a PPM of 1.84.
- Southampton FC (2013-2014): Managed 60 matches with a PPM of 1.45.
- Espanyol (2009-2012): Managed 161 matches with a PPM of 1.22.
Among his notable achievements, Pochettino led Tottenham Hotspur to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019 and won the Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions with Paris Saint-Germain.
Transition to USMNT
Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the new head coach of the USMNT, leading the team into the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Pochettino has been without a job since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent after just one season. Despite his brief tenure, he left a mark on the club, and now his focus shifts to revitalizing the USMNT.
🚨 Mauricio Pochettino to #USMNT verbally agreed + clear to proceed. Nothing preventative in Chelsea contract & club insist no money owed to him if takes new job.
#CFC discussing solutions (3rd-party sponsorship etc) to fill salary shortfall @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/vpDWirhfOE— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein)
October 02, 2023
Contract and Salary Details
While no final agreement has been signed yet, the USSF board of directors is expected to approve the deal soon. Pochettino’s situation with Chelsea needs to be fully resolved, as he is still owed money by the Premier League club. Chelsea has stated that no compensation is required if Pochettino takes a new job, simplifying his transition to the USMNT.
Living Arrangements and Strategy
Pochettino is expected to maintain a European base, allowing him to monitor the majority of the national team players who are active in major European leagues. This strategic move ensures he stays connected to the core talent pool while preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup.
Implications for US Soccer
The hiring of Mauricio Pochettino is a significant achievement for the USSF, especially after unsuccessful attempts to recruit Jürgen Klopp. Pochettino’s appointment is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective and boost the competitiveness of the USMNT on the world stage. With his extensive experience and tactical acumen, Pochettino’s leadership is expected to steer the team towards a successful World Cup campaign.
This move also underscores the growing ambition of U.S. soccer to compete at the highest level and attract top-tier managerial talent. Pochettino’s proven track record with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain indicates a promising future for the USMNT under his guidance.
For more details on Chelsea’s transfer activities:
