SEATTLE — Mauricio Pochettino certainly sounds open to staying on as coach of the United States men’s national team, but said he will take time after Monday’s 4-1 loss to Belgium before making any final decisions.
Pochettino, 54, signed a contract in the summer of 2024 that expires after this World Cup, but reportedly has an offer on the table to continue leading the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup.
“We have built a good relationship,” Pochettino said of the United States Soccer Federation. “But now is not the time to talk about that. Right now, it’s about resting a little bit, to have some recuperation.”
He led the USMNT to the top of the Group D standings and a round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina before Monday night’s defeat. Despite admitting the three-goal loss “hurts,” Pochettino said he has seen significant growth in the US team since taking over.
“To grow, it’s not like you’re on a rocket,” he said. “In one year I see this team can play football, can play soccer. We can compete. And a young generation of players coming behind.
“We know the process is always about four years. Now we have a complete assessment about a lot of players. We have set the foundation to be successful in the future.”
The Argentine previously managed England’s Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur and France’s Paris Saint-Germain, among other clubs.
If he signs up for another four-year cycle, Pochettino would be in charge of preparing the squad for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles as well as Copa America the same year. The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
–Derek Harper, Field Level Media
