It’s finally happening, folks.
Mauricio Pochettino 'to sign contract with USMNT this week'
Mauricio Pochettino is set to sign his contract with the U.S. men’s national team as soon as this week to become the new head coach, according to Fabrizio Romano.
This comes after weeks of ‘verbally agreeing’ to take over the national team and amidst a complicated contractual situation with former club Chelsea that prolonged the process of seeing him get officially announced with the USMNT.
Mauricio Pochettino, prepared to sign this week as new USMNT head coach.
After verbal agreement weeks ago, all legal topics are being resolved and the contracts are almost ready.If all goes to plan, formal steps could follow this week for Poch. pic.twitter.com/XZlqYVeVeh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2024
Pochettino will become the first South American to manage the USMNT and the first foreign U.S. national team head coach since German manager Jürgen Klinsmann who coached through the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Copa América in his tenure between 2011 and 2016.
The Argentine arrives to the United States front seat after having coached Chelsea FC, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur — some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Will Pochettino coach the USMNT for Sept. friendlies against Canada and New Zealand?
No, but he will most likely be present.
Following the release of the USMNT’s 24-player roster for their friendlies against Canada and New Zealand this week, it was also announced that former Gregg Berhalter assistant and U-23 coach, Mikey Vargas, will be in charge as interim coach for the set of games on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10.
This will most likely see Pochettino, after signing his contract and being officially announced as new head coach, present in the stands for either or both of the matches. It’s expected for him to also be introduced to the players.
With the search for a new head coach continuing, Mikey Varas will serve as interim head coach.
A Q&A with Varas breaking down today's roster announcement ⤵️— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 1, 2024
When will Pochettino be announced as new USMNT coach?
Pochettino will likely be announced as the U.S. men’s national team coach on Wednesday, Sept. 4 — three days before the USMNT’s friendly clash against Canada.
Sources: Mauricio Pochettino will be officially unveiled as the new USMNT Head Coach this Wednesday.
The September camp roster and the signing of Pochettino will be announced separately.The week we’ve all been waiting for is upon us…
— Jose Alvaro Tejano Deportes (@tejanodeportes) September 1, 2024
