Mauricio Pochettino is a candidate for the U.S. men’s national team head coaching position, per a report in Olé.
The Argentine left Chelsea by mutual content in May, following just one season in charge. His departure was somewhat surprising despite a difficult campaign, as the Blues put together a late-season surge that saw them finish sixth.
Instead, the 52-year-old is on the market and could be interested in a first foray into the international game after a successful run as a club manager.
Pochettino began his coaching career in Spain with Espanyol before moving to England and taking over Southampton and then Tottenham.
The former Argentina international built a global profile for his work with Spurs, taking them to the Champions League final in 2019 while leading the club to a sustained period of success. Shorter stints at PSG and Chelsea would follow.
Pochettino’s teams are known for playing a high-intensity style featuring a lot of pressing, leading to matches that oftentimes result in lots of chances at both ends.
The coach would represent one of the most high-profile options for the USMNT, which has been recently been linked with MLS coaches like Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy and LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo, as well as international coaches like Spain’s Luis de la Fuente and former England boss Gareth Southgate.
The USMNT position has been vacant since Gregg Berhalter was dismissed last week in the wake of the team’s stunning group-stage exit at the Copa América.
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