Long before coaching the U.S. men’s national team in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and managing some of the world’s top soccer clubs, Mauricio Pochettino was affectionately known as “El Sheriff.”
Commanding his area of the field with a fierce and vocal demeanor, the former central defender established his reputation in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a tough and assertive enforcer. This commanding presence was most evident during his time in Spain with Espanyol, the club he joined after developing in the youth system of Newell’s Old Boys.
Throughout two distinct stints that marked the beginning and conclusion of his overseas playing career, the long-haired enforcer took the helm at Espanyol. He became a team captain, leading them to two Copa del Rey titles and displaying qualities that laid the groundwork for his later coaching success.
With subsequent managerial roles at prestigious clubs like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino’s legacy is largely defined by his achievements as a coach. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, his recent transition to lead the U.S. men’s national team has only heightened interest in his career.
Much has been discussed about the 53-year-old based on his managerial accomplishments. Analysis often focuses solely on his coaching years.
However, it’s essential to also appreciate Pochettino as a player—especially during his extended tenure at Espanyol from 1994 to 2001 and again from 2004 to 2006. Conversations with several of his former teammates at the Spanish club provide insight into Pochettino’s on-field character, off-field personality, and much more.
‘We saw him as a leader’
“He spoke a lot,” former Espanyol full back Grégory Vignal recalled with a chuckle. “He was your typical South American guy from Argentina … and he was really good.”
Common themes about Pochettino include his vocal leadership on the pitch—not just shouting, but organizing, directing, and giving guidance throughout practices and matches.
“His voice was how he controlled things, how he demanded movement from the players, how we could support one another,” said former teammate Armando Sá. “He had a strong presence.”
Even though Pochettino’s presence was known to be persistent, Sá felt a sense of security whenever the Argentine was on the field with him.
“I felt very safe. It was like someone was always in my ear, coaching me,” Sá shared. “‘Go left, close the space, drop down, go inside’ … all these communications were crystal clear from him, you know? Very solid information.
“This communication made it easier for us to play together and was one reason we were able to win the Copa del Rey.”
Before they played together at Espanyol, former midfielder Óscar García recalled Pochettino standing out during their first encounter when García was with Barcelona.
“He appeared to be a leader,” García described. “Experienced, aggressive in defense.”
Pochettino was also praised for his technical skills and respect towards teammates and staff, making it clear why so many of his colleagues remember him fondly. His eagerness to guide his teammates, along with his own abilities, made him a natural candidate for the captaincy.
But was he always this way? Was he a leader from the start at Espanyol?
“In our first practice sessions, it was evident that this kid had something special. He was immediate in talking and organizing,” said Velko Iotov, a former Bulgarian international, recalling Pochettino’s early days. “Right away, all of us saw him as a leader.”
Spanish lessons and off-field antics
On the field, Sá described him as “a different beast,” but who was Pochettino off the pitch?
“Honestly, a different guy,” Sá noted. “Calm, funny, fond of jokes, and quite sarcastic. He was just a regular guy.”
Off the field, his teammates shared stories showcasing the approachable nature of the humble figure, making him easy to befriend.
Iotov, who found himself alone at Espanyol while his family remained in Bulgaria, recalled how Pochettino would invite him to join his family for dinners. These meals were great opportunities for Pochettino to help coach his teammates in Spanish, even if it was limited from Iotov’s side.
“Tenedor,” he said one day, holding up a fork next to Iotov to begin an unofficial Spanish lesson.
Another lesson showed Pochettino’s playful side. While on a bus ride, he passed Vignal, who was practicing his Spanish. Pochettino praised his attempts but also assigned him his very own homework.
“He taught me one or two bad words to help me really understand the language,” Vignal joked.
Pochettino also orchestrated a memorable prank that Vignal still chuckles about. Poorly familiar with the Barcelona area where Espanyol is based, Vignal asked Pochettino for dinner recommendations. Pochettino suggested a place called La Dama without mentioning its high prices.
“It was a gorgeous restaurant, but he never told me it was way too expensive,” Vignal laughed. “I think he had a real agenda there.”
Indeed, the restaurant’s website brands itself as the “epitome of eclectic sophistication.” One TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “We expected it to be costly, but didn’t anticipate it would be that costly.”
Vignal enjoyed his meal, but his reaction to the bill was, “Wow!”
The next day at training, Pochettino approached him with a grin, asking, “So did you enjoy your experience?” Vignal humorously replied, “Yeah, I enjoyed the bill as well.”
A Surprising Shift to Coaching
While his on-field qualities hinted at his future success as a coach, many of his teammates expressed surprise at Pochettino’s managerial career choice. If he ever had aspirations of coaching, it wasn’t something he openly shared.
“You never know, and he never mentioned it,” said García when asked if he could foresee Pochettino becoming a manager. “But he certainly has built a commendable coaching career.”
Vignal echoed this sentiment.
“He had the qualities of a coach, but there are times you never expect a player to transition into management … yet he had that profile,” he said.
His teammates expressed pride as they discussed Pochettino’s achievements since retiring in 2006. With PSG, he claimed a Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France, and advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. At Chelsea, he led his team to a Carabao Cup final and an FA Cup semifinal. With Tottenham, he was instrumental in guiding them to their first-ever appearance in a Champions League final.
“I’m really pleased with his career and achievements,” Sá said, expressing a desire to work with Pochettino again, but this time as a fellow coach. “I believe he’s doing a fantastic job. It’s not an easy task.”
It may be easy to look past his days as “El Sheriff,” with his growing fame as a manager overshadowing his on-field contributions, where he earned 20 caps for Argentina, including a spot at the 2002 World Cup.
Nevertheless, depending on whom you ask, traces of that Sheriff may still resonate within the USMNT coach.
During his recent stint with Chelsea in the 2023-2024 season, Pochettino led a preseason tour in the U.S. that included stops in Atlanta. At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Premier League team was training, a group of guests observed from a distance.
Unbeknownst to Pochettino, Iotov was among the spectators. “Poche!” shouted Iotov, optimistic that after all these years Pochettino would recognize him. To his surprise, Pochettino responded, “Velko!” and rushed over to embrace him.
“People looked at me like I was some random person,” laughed Iotov, a semifinalist in the 1994 World Cup.
Pochettino brought Iotov onto the training field, and even though his bus was ready to depart the stadium, he spent an hour and a half catching up with Iotov and his coaching staff.
“Oh, they can wait,” Pochettino said to Iotov, lively and engaged as they reminisced, just as he had during his days on the field at Espanyol.