Askume, Sept 10 – Former Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed the new head coach of the U.S. men’s soccer team, US Soccer announced on Tuesday.
Pochettino, who left Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge , will take charge of the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
The Argentine, who has previously been the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, said he decided to join American football not only for the football but also to travel around the country and he could not miss the opportunity.
“The energy, the enthusiasm and the desire to achieve something truly historic – these are the things that inspire me,” he said in a statement.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we will create something special that the whole country can be proud of.”
U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said Pochettino is “a serial winner with a passion for developing players.”
“His track record speaks for itself and I believe he is the perfect choice to unleash the tremendous potential of our talented team. Mauricio has been well received by the team as he embarks on an exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
The US team lost its head coach after a disastrous defeat at the Copa America in July.Gregg Berhalter was fired after his second stint as head coach.
The 51-year-old coach was first hired in 2018 and led the United States to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup, but just weeks later he was embroiled in a feud with one of the team’s brightest prospects, Gio Reyna (Gio Reyna) in a fierce public feud.
When Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of 2022, US Soccer conducted a search for a new coach, which included names such as Canadian coach Jesse Marsch , but ultimately relaunched it last June with the full support of the players.
However, this match was not a success. The United States team lost 1–2 to Panama and 0–1 to Uruguay in the group stage of the America’s Cup, and failed to qualify from the group stage.
Pochettino replaces Mitch Barras, who was appointed interim coach. Vallas took part in friendlies against Canada and New Zealand last Saturday and Tuesday respectively.
The U.S. will play another friendly against Panama on Oct. 12 and will take on Mexico three days later.
