Pochettino Stops Unemployed, US National Team Becomes Port

Mauricio Pochettino is one step away from being the manager of the United States National Team (Instagram/@pochettino).

JAKARTA - Mauricio Pochettino is finally no longer unemployed. He agreed to return to the manager's seat.

The difference is, the Argentine will not take a job at the club, but the national team. One step more he will be inaugurated as the manager of the United States national team.

Pochettino at Chelsea at the end of last season. He is rumored to have reached an agreement with the United States Football Federation (USSF).

The 52-year-old will replace Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked after failing in the 2024 Copa America. The United States could not qualify from the group stage at the tournament.

Matt Crocker, USSF's Technical Director, said the search for a better manager could not be separated from US preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

"Our main focus is to find a coach who can maximize our potential. We continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. We have started our search process," said Crocker at The Sun.

Crocker and Pochettino have worked together in Southampton. At that time, Crocker headed the academy of The Saints before leaving in 2013 to join the FA (British Football Federation).

Pochettino was chosen first over other candidates, such as Marcelo Bielsa, Thierry Henry, and Jurgen Klopp. The last name, which is a former Liverpool manager, turned down an offer from the USSF last month.

Previously, Pochettino was predicted to become the manager of the England national team replacing Gareth Southgate. However, the Three Lions have now appointed as interim coach.

If he officially joins the United States national team, he will be the coach with the second big name since Jurgen Klinsmann.

Pochettino has also been waiting for his debut party when the United States against Canada on September 7, 2024.

The United States has a golden generation inhabited by famous names, such as Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun. However, in reality their appearance is far from the title.

USSF officials clearly hope Pochettino's record of developing talent can be realized on the international stage.

Pochettino's main goal of recruiting is to be able to talk a lot at the 2026 World Cup when the United States hosts with Canada and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino will be the second person from Chelsea to cooperate with the USSF.

Previously, there was the name Emma Hayes who led the United States Women's National Team. He said the team won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

USSF also hopes Pochettino can follow in the footsteps of Hayes.