- Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed the new head coach of the US men’s national soccer team.
- He takes over from Gregg Berhalter, who was let go after a disappointing Copa America performance this past summer.
- Pochettino is notable for being the most prominent coach to lead the US team in recent years and the first foreigner since Juergen Klinsmann.
- The Argentine coach, who is 52, has been out of a job since his departure from Chelsea after a single season.
- Although specific contract details weren’t disclosed, Pochettino will prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
- Matt Crocker, US Soccer’s sporting director, emphasized Pochettino’s success in player development and his ability to build strong teams.
- Throughout his career, Pochettino has shown a talent for nurturing young players, evidenced during his tenures at Southampton, Tottenham, and Espanyol.
- His coaching history includes mentoring elite talents like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.
- Pochettino expressed excitement about his new role, highlighting the passion and potential he sees in the team.
- He aims to cultivate a special squad that fans can rally behind, citing the young team’s prior success in reaching the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup.
- The team’s recent Copa America showing, however, raised concerns, as they struggled in the group stages.
- US Soccer’s CEO, J.T. Batson, believes Pochettino’s expertise will maximize the team’s potential, especially under the leadership of players like Christian Pulisic.
- Bringing Pochettino on board required negotiations with Chelsea, supported by donations from high-profile individuals in the business community.
- This appointment marks Crocker’s second major decision since he also hired Emma Hayes to lead the women’s national team, who recently achieved Olympic success.
Vincent Labrune has been re-elected for another four years as the president of the French soccer league.
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