Former Chelsea supervisor Mauricio Pochettino has been named head coach of the U.S. males’s nationwide staff, U.S. Soccer introduced Tuesday.
Pochettino, who parted methods with Chelsea in May after one season, will lead the staff forward of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The Argentine, beforehand accountable for Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, stated his choice to affix U.S. Soccer was pushed by extra than simply soccer – it was in regards to the nation’s journey, and he couldn’t go up the chance.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” Pochettino stated in an announcement. “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.”
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker praised Pochettino as a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players.”
“His track record speaks for itself, and I’m confident he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad,” Crocker stated. “We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
The U.S. has been with no everlasting coach since a disappointing early exit from the Copa América on dwelling soil in July led to the firing of Gregg Berhalter after his second stint as head coach.
Berhalter, 51, was first appointed in 2018 and led the Americans to the knockout levels of the 2022 World Cup, however weeks later discovered himself embroiled in a public dispute with one of many staff’s brightest rising abilities, Gio Reyna.
U.S. Soccer’s seek for a brand new coach when Berhalter’s contract expired on the finish of 2022 included names equivalent to former Canada coach Jesse Marsch, however they finally rehired Berhalter in June final yr with full help from the gamers.
However, it proved unsuccessful because the U.S. did not progress past the group stage of the Copa América after a 2-1 defeat to Panama and a 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
Pochettino will take over after Mikey Varas, who was appointed interim coach, oversaw friendlies towards Canada on Saturday and New Zealand on Tuesday.
The U.S. drew 1-1 with New Zealand in Cincinnati after Christian Pulisic’s purpose was canceled out by Ben Waine’s late equalizer.
The U.S. will subsequent play friendlies towards Panama on Oct. 12 and Mexico three days later.
Source: www.dailysabah.com