Manager pleased with “very good relationship” with US Soccer and “amazing journey” with the team
Mauricio Pochettino says he is no rush to hold talks with US Soccer over his future after the nation’s World Cup exit. Both sides will first review the tournament before deciding whether to continue their partnership.
Last month, it was revealed that the Argentine was offered a contract extension until 2030, when he would lead USA to the next World Cup. However, discussions were postponed so that Pochettino could focus on this summer’s tournament.
With USA having been eliminated, Pochettino confirmed that discussions will continue after he has rested and reviewed his side’s performance.
“I think now it’s about resting a little bit, to think, to have conversation and then to see what the decision is from the federation and from us,” Pochettino said. “But I am so happy, we have built a very good relationship, but now is not a moment to talk about that. I think now is a moment to sit, to assess the tournament and for sure in the next weeks, we can start to talk – if the federation wants to talk.”
Pochettino stopped short of confirming he wanted to remain in the role but argued that his work had laid important foundations despite the disappointment of elimination. Having been in charge for less than two years, he said the project had reached the end of an important phase in its development.
“With good things and not so good things, it was amazing, this journey,” the USA coach said. “It still hasn’t been two years working here. And we all know that a process is about a four-year cycle.
“Today I think we closed the chapter about assessing players, playing in that competition that is so difficult. I think now we have a complete assessment from a lot of players, and if we commit to be here in the future, we have a clear idea of our decisions for the future. Before, it was very difficult.”
The former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager also pointed to the challenges he inherited when he accepted the role, saying the team’s current culture shows how much he has achieved regardless of whether he stays or not.
“All the circumstances that were so difficult to manage, in terms of the legacy, with or without us, the legacy on the group of players and the group of staff is the perfect mindset [they have] now,” Pochettino said.
“It is amazing to keep growing. I don’t think the difficult job is done, but we settled the principles for the future, to be very successful. I know that when we took charge of the job, it was really tough in the way we found the situation.”
US Soccer said no decision had been made and confirmed that discussions would resume once both parties had time to assess the campaign.
“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future,” the federation said in a statement. “We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program. We have shared excitement about our potential and also shared clarity about the amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition.”
