Mauricio Pochettino, the chosen one for Team USA
NEW YORK – Argentine Mauricio Pochettino will take over as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, following Gregg Berhalter’s and his team’s failure in the recent Copa América.
The U.S. was looking for a high-profile coach, and they found it in Mauricio Pochettino, who has previously managed top European clubs such as Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea.
With the ticket to the 2026 World Cup secured as a host nation alongside Mexico and Canada, Pochettino now faces the challenge of leading the U.S. to a level never before achieved in the World Cup.
Among the names mentioned prior to Pochettino’s confirmation were José Mourinho and even Jurgen Klopp as potential candidates, although there was never a real possibility of their hiring.
Pochettino was also linked to Real Madrid on several occasions, but negotiations never materialized.
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Mauricio Pochettino arrives at Team USA
Who is Mauricio Pochettino? Mauricio Roberto Pochettino Trossero was born on March 2, 1972, in Murphy, Santa Fe, Argentina. As a player, he was a central defender. Pochettino began his professional career at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where he was part of the team that won the Argentine league in 1991. His talent caught the eye of European scouts, and in 1994 he joined Espanyol in Barcelona, where he became a key player and won the Copa del Rey in 2000.
Mauricio Pochettino also played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Girondins de Bordeaux in France before returning to Espanyol, where he finished his playing career in 2006. Internationally, he represented Argentina, participating in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Transition to Coaching After retiring as a player, Mauricio Pochettino began his coaching career in 2009, taking over Espanyol. His ability to revive a struggling team and his tactical approach led him to be regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young managers.
In 2013, he was appointed head coach of Southampton in the Premier League. Under his leadership, Southampton became known for its dynamic and attractive play, achieving an eighth-place finish, their best in years.
Success at Tottenham Hotspur In 2014, Pochettino was named head coach of Tottenham Hotspur. During his time at the club, he transformed Spurs into one of the most competitive teams in England and Europe. Under his guidance, Tottenham consistently qualified for the UEFA Champions League and finished as Premier League runners-up in the 2016-2017 season.
A message from Mauricio 🇺🇸
🗣️ ENG ➡️ 🗣️ ESP
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024
The highlight of his career at Tottenham was leading the team to the Champions League final in 2019, the club’s first-ever, though they ultimately lost to Liverpool. His ability to develop young players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Son Heung-min was crucial to the team’s success.
Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea After leaving Tottenham in 2019, Pochettino became the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in January 2021. During his time in Paris, he won the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, but failed to capture the coveted UEFA Champions League, leading to his departure in 2022.
In 2023, Pochettino was appointed as Chelsea’s head coach, returning to the Premier League with the mission of revitalizing a team that had struggled in previous seasons. His tactical approach and his ability to manage the locker room are seen as key to restoring success at the London club.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Playing Style and Philosophy Mauricio Pochettino is known for his tactical approach, which combines a high-tempo game, constant pressing in all areas of the pitch, and an emphasis on defensive discipline. Additionally, he is recognized for his ability to develop young players and turn them into stars.
