Mauricio Pochettino, former Chelsea coach, has been chosen to lead the United States national soccer team. The American Soccer Federation announced. The Argentine coach replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was fired last July after a humiliating elimination in the group stage of the Copa America.
“Mauricio is a serial winner “With a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams,” said Matt Crocker, athletic director of the USA Federation, “his results speak for themselves and I am confident he is the best choice to unlock the immense potential of our talented team.”
No details on the length of the contract were given, but Pochettino is expected to lead the team to next World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, together with Canada and Mexico. “I see a group of players full of talent and potential and together we will build something special that the whole nation can be proud of,” was the coach’s first statement.
Pochettino left Chelsea in May after just one season and previously coached Paris Saint-Germain – at the time of the attacking trident of Messi, Neymar and Mpabbè -, Tottenham, Southampton and Espanyol. This is the second non-American to take up the role after German Jurgen Klinsmann, who left the post in 2016.