Mauricio Pochettino discusses his choice to take on role as USA manager

The 52-year-old departed Chelsea at the conclusion of the previous season following a single season at the helm, during which he finished the campaign on a high note.

He now takes his first step into international management having built a very good reputation at Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and with the Blues.

The Argentine was still likely to be in the running for big jobs at club level, so it is somewhat surprising he is instead heading to the States, but he said it was too good an opportunity to turn down with a home World Cup on the horizon.

‘The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,’ said Pochettino.

‘The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up.

‘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.’

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said of the appointment: ‘Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams. 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. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.’

U.S. Soccer CEO, JT Batson, said that Pochettino’s arrival alongside Emma Hayes as the women’s national team manager is a signal of intent.

‘Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape,’ said Batson. ‘His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special.

‘This announcement is part of a historic era for U.S. Soccer, coming on the heels of our Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center groundbreaking, launching the Soccer Forward Foundation, hiring Emma Hayes to lead our Women’s National Team, and winning Olympic gold,” Batson continued. “We are building a program that not only wins on the global stage but inspires the next generation of American soccer players and fans, and we’re thrilled to have Mauricio play a key role in that journey.’

An interesting addition to the announcement of Pochettino’s arrival is that the appointment was the way that the deal was partly funded.

A statement from US Soccer read: ‘Pochettino’s appointment is supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diameter, and several commercial partners.’

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