Romano reveals when ex-Chelsea boss Pochettino will take USMNT job

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Sept 2024 15:30 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino could sign his contract with the United States men's national team as early as this week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Argentine tactician has been out of a job for a few months after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. Pochettino had managed to stabilise the Blues and a late-season surge saw them reach the Conference League places.

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However, different visions for the future of the project and a lack of tactical progressiveness meant that their paths separated after just a year, with Enzo Maresca being hired as a replacement.

Pochettino was briefly linked with the Manchester United job earlier this summer, but the Red Devils ultimately decided to keep Erik ten Hag on board.

It was largely a quiet summer for the 52-year-old, but for a few weeks now, he has been in talks about returning to the dugout.

Pochettino set for USMNT

After being snubbed by Jurgen Klopp, US Soccer approached Pochettino for the vacant head coaching role of the USMNT and the Argentine jumped at the opportunity.

Already several weeks ago, Pochettino gave the green light and reached a verbal agreement with the US federation. Now, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that his appointment could be finalised as early as this week.

Pochettino is prepared to put pen to paper on all the necessary documents, while US Soccer would then proceed with the hire. It appears that the former Tottenham and PSG boss could take charge of his first games in October when the USMNT takes on Panama and rivals Mexico.

During the ongoing international break, the US team is set to play Canada and New Zealand. Mikey Varas is the current interim head coach.