Mauricio Pochettino is set to leave the USA right after the World Cup to start a new job.
Mauricio Pochettino’s time as head coach of the United States team looks like it will be pretty short, with news that he plans to leave after the World Cup for a new job.
After leaving Chelsea by mutual agreement in May 2024, Pochettino took his first international coaching role in September, becoming the highest-paid U.S. Men’s National Team coach ever. He signed a two-year contract with the World Cup co-hosts and revealed his 26-player squad just this week.
Pochettino was chosen over many top coaches, but it seems he won’t stay with the U.S. for the long haul. His contract ends right after the tournament, and journalist Nico Schira reports that he’ll step down once the team’s games are done.
Schira also says Pochettino is being considered for a job at Serie A giants AC Milan, who recently let go of their coach Max Allegri after finishing sixth in the league. While Andoni Iraola, the outgoing Bournemouth manager, is a leading candidate to replace Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Pochettino is also a strong contender for Milan. If he takes the Milan job, he’d be reunited with U.S. star Christian Pulisic.
Pochettino’s World Cup squad features five Premier League players: midfielder Tyler Adams from Bournemouth, forward Haji Wright from Coventry City, winger Brendan Aaronson from Leeds, defender Chris Richards from Crystal Palace, and left-back Antonee Robinson from Fulham.
Here’s the full squad breakdown:
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Matt Freese (New York City), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Defenders: Sergino Dest (PSV), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Brendan Aaronson (Leeds), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)
Forwards: Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Haji Wright (Coventry), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Tim Weah (Marseille)
After naming his squad, Pochettino addressed how players who didn’t make the team found out. There were reports they were told by email instead of a personal phone call, which upset some.
Pochettino explained in a press conference, “When I was a player and didn’t make the team, I didn’t want my coach to call me. The players who didn’t make it don’t want me saying sorry. If I called, it would be more about me. That’s not right. It doesn’t mean we don’t care. We care a lot, but we don’t want to confuse anyone with our words.”
The USA will play in Group D, alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. Two of their three group matches will be at SoFi Stadium. They’re getting ready for the World Cup with friendly games at home against Senegal and Germany.