MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) – Mauricio Pochettino says he may be open to remaining as the U.S. coach beyond this summer’s World Cup, although he won’t rule out a return to Europe with Tottenham or Real Madrid.
Pochettino agreed in September 2024. Agreement with the United States Soccer Federation Through the World Cup. The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager could be targeted by relegation-threatened Spurs and Real Madrid, who trail Barcelona in the Spanish league.
“I think everyone knows that I am fully committed here to the national team,” Pochettino said at a press conference on Monday ahead of the friendly against Portugal. “We are open. There is no future contract, but if we are satisfied and the federation is satisfied, why not sign?”
Pochettino said he has not held any talks with Tottenham or Real Madrid.
Pochettino, 54, a defender who was included in Argentina’s squad for the 2002 World Cup, has homes in London and Barcelona. He said he is looking for a home near the U.S. Soccer Federation’s new headquarters and training center in Fayetteville, Georgia, but hasn’t found one yet.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was fired on January 12th and was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
Pochettino managed Tottenham from the start of the 2014 season until his sacking in November 2019, leading the team to three consecutive top-three finishes in the Premier League and the 2019 Champions League final. He feels connected to the team’s fans and staff.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Pochettino said.
Tottenham have earned 30 points and are 17th out of 20 teams in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining. Spurs are winless in 13 league games since December 28, with eight losses. Manager Thomas Frank fired on February 11th His successor was Igor Tudor. fired on sunday.
Spurs have not played in the lower division since the 1977-78 season.
“I’m sure they will continue to stand, with or without a coach,” Pochettino said. “Because of the players, I think Tottenham have incredible players and then because it’s a club with fans who will do their best to create the energy to win. Of course it will be difficult because the synergy and dynamics are difficult.”
Pochettino never anticipated how difficult a task he would face with the U.S. team, whose players are scattered across Major League Soccer and Europe.
“It’s tough, but it’s a big challenge. Starting here is a bigger challenge than we actually believed or thought before. … And when you want or need to change things, it’s never easy,” he said. “The potential is huge, we have the World Cup legacy and I think as football grows here you can see how all our youth teams develop and how they compete. I think the future here is very exciting.”
Pochettino will not make a decision until after the United States participates in the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
“Now is not the time to talk. It is time to focus on the World Cup,” he said. “After the World Cup, if we are satisfied, there will certainly be time to discuss it one way or another (or) depending on the federation’s vision and how we feel.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
