USMNT Requires Bold…

Hiring a men’s national team manager with Mauricio Pochettino’s credentials once seemed out of reach for the U.S. Soccer Federation. It was perceived as overly ambitious, too costly, and quite unrealistic.

However, Pochettino’s appointment marked a pivotal change, enabled by a shift in the federation’s philosophy which harnessed various funding sources, such as private donations and increased commercial revenue, to meet financial needs. His hiring also underscored a newfound ambition, suggesting that the U.S. men’s national team could attract a top-tier manager and engage in mutual interest.

The pressing question now is whether this higher standard is a permanent change within U.S. Soccer or merely a temporary move to capitalize on the co-hosting of a FIFA World Cup.

When asked about this, U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson affirmed that the bar has indeed been raised.

“Looking across our leadership team, we’ve successfully attracted world-class talent, both in sports and across the organization,” Batson stated to ESPN while the USMNT practiced prior to a friendly against Portugal last month. “We have elevated our expectations regarding the talent we attract and nurture at U.S. Soccer, aiming for world-class standards.”

This inquiry has gained traction recently, especially following the abrupt resignation of sporting director Matt Crocker.

The individual responsible for hiring both Pochettino and U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes has departed. Crocker’s influence is likely to extend beyond the upcoming World Cup, evident in the new national training facility near Atlanta, and the “U.S. Way” initiative aimed at revamping player development nationwide.

His exit creates a leadership vacuum. Will Oguchi Onyewu, current vice president of sporting at U.S. Soccer, be chosen as his successor, or will the organization seek external candidates? The decision may significantly impact who will manage the USMNT after the World Cup.

Many believe Pochettino will leave following the World Cup, as he has at times expressed discomfort with the differences in soccer culture between the U.S. and his homeland Argentina. After two recent friendly losses to Belgium and Portugal, he notably remarked on the absence of USMNT players in the world’s top 100.

While he makes a valid point, it contrasts with the USMNT’s past World Cup accomplishments, including notable matches against Portugal in the 21st century. This statement also contradicts his “Why not us?” mentality leading up to the World Cup.

Additionally, Pochettino has openly expressed a desire to return to Europe, particularly to the Premier League, which he sees as the hub of club football.

Nevertheless, Pochettino has not excluded the possibility of staying. When questioned about the prospects of returning to Tottenham Hotspur or Real Madrid, he remarked, “Who knows what will happen? We are open. We have no future contract, but if we are satisfied and the federation is too, why not?”

In any coaching context, Pochettino’s future with the USMNT is subject to many dynamics. A strong performance in the World Cup will increase interest in him and make retention challenging, while a disappointing outing could make it easier – but would U.S. Soccer even want him back if that were to happen, considering their significant investment in hiring him?

Batson also mentioned that, regardless of Pochettino’s fate, there could be continuing ties to U.S. Soccer.

“One of the key reasons for Mauricio’s joining us was his belief in the long-term vision we have for U.S. soccer,” Batson noted. “While our immediate focus is on performing well in the summer, Pochettino and his staff have contributed thoughtfully to our short- and long-term strategies, offering support as needed. We’ve recognized our summer mission is critical, and we will regroup afterward to discuss future possibilities.”

This doesn’t imply U.S. Soccer is in a holding pattern; planning is already underway.

“We regularly review our succession planning for all key roles within U.S. Soccer,” Batson revealed. “These discussions are continual, ensuring we are prepared for any changes, be it CFO, head coach, or any related position, as part of our growth as an organization.”

If Pochettino departs as anticipated, and following Batson’s assertion that the standards have been elevated, who might U.S. Soccer target? There are several compelling prospects.

With France manager Didier Deschamps likely departing post-World Cup, he may consider leading this U.S. team to the next level. Meanwhile, former England manager Gareth Southgate, despite facing critiques for his pragmatic style, has successfully guided the Three Lions to numerous finals; could he be tempted?

The USSF is also expected to consider domestic options. Former LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo is a leading candidate due to his history as a USMNT player and his success in L.A. B.J. Callaghan might also be on the short list since he previously managed the team on an interim basis and has achieved notable results with Nashville SC. Pellegrino Matarazzo, with his American roots and European management experience at Real Sociedad, also presents an intriguing option, though he expressed contentment in a recent ESPN interview.

However, considering U.S. Soccer’s capacity to attract significant talent, none of these candidates might elicit the same excitement from fans that Pochettino has generated.

There is one name that could bring that thrill: the legendary manager Pep Guardiola, who could soon be available.

Although his contract runs through the summer of 2027, ESPN’s Rob Dawson reported that uncertainty lingers over Guardiola’s plans beyond this season. He might decide to leave Manchester City, and he has some familiarity with the U.S., having lived in New York during his time between managing Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

While it’s a stretch to envision Guardiola as the future USMNT coach, he did mention last year that he plans to take a break from management once his contract concludes. Nonetheless, U.S. Soccer’s recent success in attracting high-profile appointments suggests they could make an enticing offer. After all, there are only three months until that process begins.