Ex-Chelsea boss set to be appointed as USMNT head coach in surprise move - Reports 

The United States men’s national team are reportedly set to make a significant move. Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be named as their new head coach, according to journalist Matt Law.

The Argentine tactician is seemingly set to lead the USMNT at least until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held on home soil.

The USA men’s team have been searching for a new manager following their disappointing 2024 Copa America campaign, which saw them exit in the group stages. Gregg Berhalter, who had a troubled tenure as head coach, left after the tournament, which prompted the search for a replacement.

USMNT were reportedly interested in former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who left the Reds at the end of last season. However, Klopp declined the offer, seeking a break from football. They were also linked to Patrick Vieira and Pellegrino Matarazzo. But now, Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate and is expected to be announced as head coach by next week.

According to a report from MARCA, the USMNT secured Pochettino, largely due to the connections of their sporting director, Matt Crocker, which made the negotiations smoother. Crocker, who was Southampton’s technical director, hired the Argentine in 2013 based on his impressive performances with Espanyol.

Crocker later served as the technical director for the England men’s team before returning to Southampton in 2020. He was appointed as the director of the USMNT last year and has already achieved a significant coup by bringing Pochettino on board to lead a promising young USA side into the World Cup.

An overview of former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino’s managerial career

Pochettino, known for his aggressive and high-pressing style, began his managerial career at his former club Espanyol in 2009 before moving to Southampton in 2013.

At Southampton, he guided the team to an impressive eighth-place finish in his first season, attracting the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, who hired him.

He played a key role in the development of players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Son Heung-min. The Argentine tactician led Spurs to new heights, including a runners-up finish in the Champions League in 2019.

However, Pochettino’s subsequent roles at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea were less successful. At PSG, he managed the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe. Although the team won Ligue 1 during his tenure, disappointing exits from the Champions League led to his dismissal after just one-and-a-half seasons.

Chelsea hired Pochettino last season, but his tenure was again marked by poor results. Despite some positive momentum and improved performances toward the end of the season, the 52-year-old departed by mutual consent. Enzo Maresca replaced him in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.

Pochettino’s recent record has been underwhelming, but he is certainly renowned for developing young talents, which could greatly benefit the USMNT as they prepare for the World Cup. If appointed, his first assignment would be during the international break in September.