OFFICIAL: USMNT confirm Pochettino as head coach

Robin Bairner

11 Sept 2024 06:30 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino is the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team, with US Soccer confirming the decision to appoint the former Chelsea boss prior to a 1-1 draw with New Zealand.

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Pochettino was surprisingly sacked by Chelsea in the summer – one the decisions that has led to the current civil war between the owners at Stamford Bridge, according to reports – but after being out of work for only a short time returns to the game via his first national team job.

Previously, the Argentine had taken charge of Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham and PSG before a one-season stint with the Blues.

Pochettino, meanwhile, is delighted with his new post.

"The decision to join US Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on," he said.

"The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here - those are the things that inspired me.

"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."

Pochettino a ‘serial winner’

US Soccer’s Matt Crocker, who worked with Pochettino previously at Southampton, added: "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."

Pochettino takes over the USMNT with the side in the midst of a slump. It crashed out of the Copa America at the first phase in the summer while it has won only two matches out of the 10 it has played during 2024, albeit claiming the CONCACAF Nations League in the process.

His first match in charge will be on 12 October against Panama in Austin, Texas before a clash against Mexico three days later in Zapopan.