Mauricio Pochettino will lead the United States in the World Cup in a few days, but he does not seem to be staying after the tournament. Now several sources report that he has received an offer he cannot resist.
The Argentine’s time as head of the U.S. men’s national team looks set to be short. According to reports, he will leave his job immediately after the World Cup to take over another role.
Closing his eyes and thinking about the money
After Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual agreement in May 2024, he took his first job in international football in September of the same year. Then he was named the USMNT’s highest-paid national team manager of all time.
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The former Tottenham and PSG manager signed a two-year contract with the World Cup hosts and announced his 26-man squad earlier this week.
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Short contract – and now there are rumoured offers from Milan
Pochettino was chosen as the United States’ manager ahead of a number of elite names, but he does not appear to be a long-term appointment. His contract expires after the tournament, and according to journalist Nico Schira, he will leave the position as soon as the United States season is over.
Schira also claims that Pochettino has been offered the job at Serie A giants AC Milan – via intermediaries.
The Rossoneri recently sacked Max Allegri after his second spell at the San Siro. Milan finished in a disappointing sixth place in Serie A.
Iraola near Palace – Pochettino relevant for Milan
Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is said to be a top target for Milan, but he seems to be closer to a move to Crystal Palace – replacing Oliver Glasner.
Thus, Pochettino becomes very relevant for the vacancy in Milan. If he becomes the new Milan manager, he will also be reunited with America’s big star Christian Pulisic.
USA’s World Cup squad – with five Premier League profiles
Pochettino’s World Cup squad includes five Premier League players: Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Coventry striker Haji Wright, Leeds winger Brendan Aaronson, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards and Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson.
Here is the entire USA World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers:
Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Matt Freese (New York City), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Defenders:
Sergiño Dest (PSV), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
Midfielders:
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Brendan Aaronson (Leeds), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
Attackers:
Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Haji Wright (Coventry), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Tim Weah (Marseille)
Pochettino defends email scandal – rages against critics
In a press conference after the squad announcement, Pochettino defended the way he had given the bad news to the players who were not selected. Reports had claimed that the players were contacted by email – instead of by phone call.
“When I was a player myself and I wasn’t selected for a squad, I didn’t want my coach to call me,” Pochettino said.
“The players who weren’t selected don’t want me to say I’m sorry. If I call, it’s about myself. That is nonsense.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t care. On the contrary – we care very much. We just don’t want to say anything that confuses the players.
USA in Group D – face Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
The United States plays in Group D together with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Two of the team’s three group stage matches will be played at SoFi Stadium. As a warm-up for the home World Cup, they play friendly matches against Senegal and Germany.
