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Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has been named as the new manager of the United States men’s team.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Argentine replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked in July following the USA’s group-stage elimination from the Copa America.<\/p>\n
The announcement came before the US faced New Zealand in an international friendly game in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n
Pochettino, 52, said it was an opportunity “I couldn’t pass up”.<\/p>\n
“The decision to join US Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” he added.<\/p>\n
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me.<\/p>\n
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”<\/p>\n
US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker led the search for Berhalter’s successor and spent time at Southampton when Pochettino was in charge at St Mary’s.<\/p>\n
“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said Crocker.<\/p>\n
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad.”<\/p>\n
Pochettino joined Southampton after a stint at Espanyol before moving on to take charge of Tottenham, leading Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final.<\/p>\n
He went on to manage Paris St-Germain and Chelsea, leaving the Blues in May after one season in charge in which they finished sixth in the Premier League.<\/p>\n
The United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup along with Canada and Mexico.<\/p>\n
They are ranked 16th in the world by Fifa, one place below Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Switzerland.<\/p>\n
Pochettino’s appointment means the US men’s and women’s teams are both now managed by former Chelsea bosses, after Emma Hayes took charge of the women’s team earlier this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n