Pochettino could revive the USMNT. Are he up for the challenge?

Appointing the former Chelsea manager would be a significant signal of intent to the U.S. men’s national team However, the possibility of his appointment does not guarantee anything.

By Jeff Carlisle

Aug 15, 2024 03:04 PM

Matt Crocker looks like he’s about to deliver in all manner of ways in hiring the next manager of the U.S. men’s national team .

The USSF director of sports said the team would seek out the “serial winning coach.” When it comes to cost, related, he said that the appointment of a new coach is “something we’re prepared to invest in, and something we will be investing in.” ( ESPN previously reported that the USSF was ready to be innovative to pay for the expense of hiring the best manager). He said, “I just want to get the best coach possible that can help the team win and whether they’re from the U.S. or elsewhere.”

The news comes with ESPN co-worker Mark Ogden confirming that terms have been reached with the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino Crocker has made it to triple-sevens in the USMNT managerial slot machine. To clarify, since the financial agreements with Pochettino and Chelsea aren’t yet finalized yet, there isn’t a contract signed yet. So, the appointment of Pochettino is still to be approved at the USSF Board of Directors. One source said, “Still work to be done.”

The Argentine’s hiring proposal could be a major coup if the USSF is able to get it over the line. Pochettino is 52 and has coached at the most elite levels, and has played with some of the best athletes in the sport including Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. The coach has also proven adept at bringing together youngsters such as Kane or Dele Alli at Spurs and Cole Palmer at Chelsea this season. All of this is an excellent sign for the U.S. player pool that is highly skilled — including Christian Pulisic from AC Milan, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams However, often has slowed down since his impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The departure of the group stage in the end of last month’s Copa America — from what seemed to be an attainable team of Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia and Bolivia ended up costing Gregg Berhalter his job. Hosting the World Cup in 2026 was an chance that was at risk of being lost and also emphasized the fact that the USMNT needed to be reorganized. That’s exactly what the arrival of Pochettino will do. In addition, for the U.S. team that still has a younger demographic, his capacity to foster the next generation of talent is an enormous advantage.

The appointment could help ease the pressure on Crocker who has taken some criticism for rehiring Berhalter fourteen months ago, after his own stint employed for just two months. The decision didn’t go well and there had been some complaints within the USSF board of directors, which suggested that Crocker shouldn’t have been allowed to go, too. A manager with the Pochettino’s reputation is sure to squelch those feelings.

Some critics may question about whether Pochettino is one of the “serial winner” Crocker said that he wanted to find. The Argentine was able to collect three awards during his time at PSG as well as an UEFA Champions League title in 2021-22, however expectations were higher, given the pricey squad he supervised in Paris. He also managed to guide ever-slow Tottenham into Champions League qualification four years in a row, which included the trip to the final in 2019, where Spurs were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool. In a game as competitive like it is the Premier League, this should be a sign of something.

The reputation of Pochettino is an assistant coach for players and, considering how his U.S. roster seemed a bit too comfortable towards his final Berhalter tenure There is a concern that he won’t give the team that needed jolt it desperately needs. But his arrival, by itself, could at a minimum increase the tension that typically exists in the national team.

In the beginning everyone would begin with a fresh slate. The players who were of Berhalter’s reign will be able to see that the doorway to playing time has opened once more. While previously locked-in starters aren’t going to be able accept anything as a given. Everyone will be keen to impress.

Another issue with Pochettino’s possible appointment is the fact that his high-pressing method — which is heavily inspired by the current Uruguay director Marcelo Bielsa who coached Pochettino in the past at Newell’s Old Boys and the Argentina national team — takes some time to be implemented. It is expected that the 2026 World Cup is less than two years away. There are approximately nine international window left for Pochettino to infuse his unique style of play to U.S. players. His style of play would definitely require some slurping at the beginning. The expectation is that the rumored expansion of the Gold Cup in 2025’s summer would be a huge step towards giving the players in the field they need for them to become proficient.

If there’s a blemish in the resume of Pochettino is his absence on international experiences. International managers all over all over the world talk about the fact that the lack of daily interactions with players could be a hurdle; that will certainly require some time to get used to. Pochettino must also accept that his squad is very limited. There is no way to go to the market if he needed an outside defender or a midfielder. He’ll need to work with what he’s got, and then build up those players while keeping an eye on the young players who are emerging from the ranks of youth.

However, there are a few aspects of running those of the USMNT they Pochettino would be willing to embrace. Crocker and Pochettino met during their time at Southampton at the end of 2013, when Crocker was finishing an assignment as the academy of the club as Pochettino was preparing to take over as the first-team manager. The level of acquaintance even if it was only a few minutes it could have a positive impact on the relationship. The Argentine will likely appreciate the freedom to perform his work without having to be influenced by someone else as was the case with his stints at PSG in addition to Chelsea.

Beyond the impact of Pochettino’s arrival for the athletes, his arrival could generate excitement for the team, as well as the revenue of USSF. You’d need to go all the way back in time to Jurgen Klinsmann period to locate the last time such a high level of excitement and excitement about the USMNT. Berhalter was a controversial figure within those who are part of the U.S. fan base, Pochettino could bring them together. There will be a keenness to find out what impact he can make to the squad. This likely increase in interest will be evident in the stands as well since even the most basic of games will be awe-inspiring for fans to see what tactical nuances Pochettino could apply.

This all sounds wonderful in theory, however the truth will be different. No matter what you think about it, should Crocker succeeds in completing Pochettino’s deal the sporting director has placed his team USMNT in a position that it is able to return to upwards trajectory.