Mauricio Pochettino Named USMNT Head Coach
Mauricio Pochettino Named USMNT Head Coach
The Facts
The US Soccer Federation named the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday as the new head coach of the US Men's National Team.
The Argentine who signed a two-year contract — with a reported salary of $6M per year that would make him the highest-paid coach in USMNT history — is expected to be formally introduced at a press conference in Manhattan on Friday.The Argentine signed a two-year contract, with a reported salary of $6M per year that would make him the highest-paid coach in USMNT history, and is expected to be formally introduced at a press conference in Manhattan on Friday.
The Spin
AThe official announcement confirming reports that have been circulating since last month is like a dream coming true. US Soccer had to make a power move if the USMNT were to form a competitive side at the 2026 World Cup, and naming a world-class head coach like Pochettino turns the men's national team into World Cup contenders.
BMauricio Pochettino is indeed the most notable manager ever to be appointed as the USMNT head coach, but all the hype over his hiring is based on his career at club level. Given that he has no experience at international level, US fans should first see if he can build trust with his squad and make the players buy his style of play before raising expectations.
