FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has refuted claims that he met with AC Milan regarding their vacant coaching position, although he did not dismiss the possibility that his representatives might have had discussions. Pochettino affirmed his full commitment to the U.S. team as they prepare for the World Cup.
His contract with U.S. Soccer extends until the conclusion of the upcoming World Cup, and sources have indicated to ESPN that he has indeed had conversations with the Italian Serie A club.
After a training session at the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Training Center near Atlanta, Pochettino firmly stated “no” when asked about a meeting with Milan, who recently parted ways with coach Massimiliano Allegri following the club’s failure to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
– USMNT’s final World Cup roster is classic Pochettino — and it comes with big risks
– Poch: ‘Amazing’ Reyna deserves USMNT WC spot
– U.S.’ Richards stays on bench as Palace win final
However, when asked whether his representatives had met with Milan, he responded, “It may be possible because they need to do their job.”
He elaborated, “Our contract runs until July after the World Cup. Naturally, we receive inquiries, and I may meet with different clubs. These interactions are simply part of the industry, as my representatives are tasked with exploring the best future opportunities for me.”
Pochettino confirmed his intention to fulfill his contractual obligations, stating, “If a club comes to me and says, ‘We want you to start tomorrow,’ I would respond, ‘Sorry, I’m committed to the [U.S.] national team.'”
This isn’t the first instance of Pochettino being linked to club opportunities during his term with the U.S. team. He has previously been associated with vacant positions at Brentford and former club Tottenham. He denied the Brentford link and stated that a return to Tottenham was “not realistic.”
Pochettino, who has homes in London and Barcelona, has often expressed interest in eventually returning to the Premier League, where he has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea.
Insiders revealed to ESPN that AC Milan plans to make substantial investments in youth and develop a competitive squad, making this project appealing to Pochettino.
Pochettino mentioned that he and U.S. Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson discussed the possibility of him continuing with the federation during a dinner in New York City on Sunday.
“He inquired whether we are open to listening to the federation’s project for the next four years,” Pochettino said. “We expressed our openness to that. Do you think if we were committed elsewhere, we’d waste time listening?”
Batson remarked earlier Thursday on Pochettino’s “incredibly transparent” communication regarding interest from other clubs, though he did not address the reports linking Pochettino to AC Milan’s vacant position directly.
“Mauricio and the entire team have been incredibly transparent throughout this process,” Batson told reporters. “Since our initial meeting a couple of summers ago, there have been numerous clubs interested in having Mauricio join their ranks.”
“He had offers from elsewhere but chose to be here. He has faith in what we are building at U.S. Soccer, in the growth of soccer in America, and he believes in this men’s team.”
“With top-tier talent, whether in sales, marketing, or coaching, other organizations will seek them out. Through all of this, Mauricio and his team have been open and cooperative as we look forward to the summer.”
Batson expressed his confidence in Pochettino’s dedication to the USMNT for the World Cup. “I’m sure that Mauricio and his team are entirely focused on this summer,” he said. “They are thrilled to be here and fully engaged. They’re essential to transforming our new venue into a true home.”
Batson also pointed out that the USSF holds regular meetings to discuss various succession planning strategies.
“We have strategies for contract renewals, interim solutions, and replacements to prepare for any unexpected developments,” Batson stated. “That’s a necessary aspect of our growth as U.S. Soccer.”
Pochettino has not ruled out continuing with the U.S. team beyond this contract, mentioning to reporters in March, “Who knows what the future holds? We’re open. We don’t have a future contract yet. But why not if we are happy here and the federation is satisfied?”
Milan recently made significant changes after a disappointing Serie A season, which resulted in the club failing to qualify for next year’s UEFA Champions League. The departures included head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, and CEO Giorgio Furlani, leaving special adviser and former Milan player Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the only prominent figure retained.
Sources indicate that Pochettino is one of several candidates being considered by Milan for their open coaching position.
The club has also engaged with Antonio Conte, who will leave Napoli this summer, as well as Bournemouth’s outgoing manager Andoni Iraola and Ralf Rangnick, coach of the Austria men’s national team.
Pochettino was appointed as the head coach of the USMNT in September 2024 and has a record of 13-7-2 (W-L-D) during his time in charge.
The U.S. will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, facing group stage matches against Paraguay on June 12, Australia on June 19, and Türkiye on June 25.