Former Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino of Argentina has been named coach of the United States national team, the US Soccer Federation announced on Tuesday, replacing Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked in July after the team's elimination in the group stage of the Copa America.
“Mauricio is a serial winner who has a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams,” said U.S. Athletic Association Director Matt Crocker. “His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident he is the best choice to unlock the immense potential of our talented team,” he continued.
“A group of players full of talent”
Host country of the Copa America, the United States suffered a pitiful elimination in the group stages of the competition played at home after two defeats (Uruguay, Panama) and one victory (Bolivia). The team hopes to show a better face at the 2026 World Cup that it will organize jointly with Mexico and Canada.
No details on the length of his contract were given, but Pochettino will be expected to lead the team at the next World Cup. “I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we will build something special that the whole nation can be proud of,” the coach said.
Tottenham to the final
Pochettino left Chelsea in May after just one season in charge and has previously coached Paris Saint-Germain – where he knew the attacking trio Messi-Neymar-Mbappe -, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Barcelona's Espanyol.
The Argentine led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019 and played a key role in the development of England captain Harry Kane. He is the second non-American to be appointed to the role, after Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann left in 2016.
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