Ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino emerges as surprise candidate for national team managerial role - Reports
According to Diario Ole, USA FA have gotten in touch with former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino to take charge of the USMNT after Gregg Berhalter's departure. Berhalter has parted ways with the USMNT after a disappointing outing at Copa America 2024. They were knocked out of the group stages of the competition on home soil.
USA FA reportedly reached out to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp about taking charge. Klopp, though, turned the offer down and Pochettino has been contacted since, as per the aforementioned source.
The Argentine parted ways with Chelsea despite helping the club secure a sixth-place Premier League finish in the 2023-24 season. The Blues also reached the Carabao Cup final, losing to Liverpool in extra time. Pochettino is available in the managerial market and has emerged as an attractive option for the USMNT.
He boasts a stellar CV, having already taken charge of other top European clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. At USMNT, he would have talents like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and more to work with.
With the USA set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, managing the home side could also be a good prospect for Pochettino.
England also interested in former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino
USA's pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino could get difficult as The Telegraph reports that England are also considering the former Chelsea boss as a candidate.
In fact, the Argentine is reportedly the leading foreign candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate, who has stepped down from his role following Euro 2024. Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, and Lee Carsley are the other frontrunners to take the reins of the Three Lions.
As per Pochettino's contract with Chelsea, the club would be due £5 million in compensation if he took charge of a top-six Premier League club. This is only if he takes up the job within six months of his departure.
However, there's no such contract clause for a national team. Pochettino has proven he is a top manager despite his sacking by the Blues last season. With two top international sides vying for the Argentine, fans will keep a keen eye on his future.