MADRID, 11 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Argentina coach Mauricio Pochettino has been named the new head coach of the United States men’s national team to lead the North American team’s new project towards the 2026 World Cup, where they will be one of the hosts, according to a statement from the organization.
Following the time of Gregg Berhalter – who was dismissed last July after being eliminated in the group stage of the Copa América – the United States is opting for an “experienced and highly respected” coach, after having managed teams such as Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
U.S. national team sporting director Matt Crocker led “a global search process” that ultimately landed Pochettino, “a winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams.”
“His track record speaks for itself and I am confident he is the right choice to harness the immense potential of our talented team. We are delighted to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage,” he added.
Pochettino chose this project because of “the journey that this team and this country are embarking on.” “The energy, the passion and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the United States is something I couldn’t pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we are going to build something special that the entire nation can be proud of,” said the Argentine.
For the president of the Federation, Cindy Parlow Cone, Pochettino is “a world-class coach”, with an “innovative approach” and “ability to inspire and connect with players”, which makes him “the perfect candidate”.
Following Berhalter’s dismissal, the federation chose Mikey Varas as interim manager, who missed the two friendly matches against Canada and New Zealand during this break. He will now be replaced by Pochettino, leader of the new project that will culminate in the World Cup in 2026. The Argentine began his career as a coach at Espanyol in 2009, then moved to the Premier League, and lived one of his best periods with Tottenham, runners-up in the domestic league in 2016-17 and in the Champions League in 2018-19.
He then signed for PSG, where he had already played as a footballer, and won a league title, a cup and a Super Cup in almost two seasons. His last job was with Chelsea last season, but the club terminated his contract last May.
“Pochettino is known for his ability to manage and motivate top-level players and his dedication to developing young talent,” the federation said in a statement, which hopes the Argentine can “build a strong talent pipeline for the national team.”