FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) – U.S. national team manager Mauricio Pochettino says he is open to remaining with the U.S. national team after the World Cup, although his agent may have spoken with AC Milan and he may have had casual conversations with the Italian club.
In a news conference after Thursday’s practice, Pochettino said he had discussed the possibility of staying with U.S. Soccer Federation CEO J.T. Batson over Sunday dinner at Jean-Georges, a highly rated and expensive restaurant in New York.
“He asked if we were ready to listen to the federation’s project for the next four years,” Pochettino said. “And we said, ‘Of course we’re open. If we have commitments to other people, do you think we’ll waste our time listening?’
Pochettino has agreed a contract through the World Cup in September 2024. Until Sunday, he said, “I had no idea whether the federation was happy with us, dissatisfied with us, whether they wanted us in the future.”
Pochettino said it was good to have his name associated with a big club, saying it meant “we are doing something good”.
“The problem is…it’s the opposite. No one wants you,” he said.
Pochettino insisted that the AC Milan discussion was not that important.
“It’s probably possible because my agent needs to work,” he said. “Do you think all the people representing the different coaches aren’t having conversations with the different clubs?”
Pochettino declined to say whether he was personally involved in the talks.
“What happens when you meet someone? What changes when you meet someone?” he said. “We have friends everywhere and my agent is trying to find the best possible future for me. That’s normal.”
Discussions about Pochettino’s future have not affected the players.
“I think I’m a modern man and now he’s here and we’re working with him,” winger Tim Weah said. “It feels great to be coached by such a prestigious coach.”
Mr Batson was unfazed by Mr Pochettino’s appointment negotiations.
“He had ongoing offers from other places and wanted to be here,” Batson said. “There is a longer list of assistance activities than has been reported to date.”
Pochettino, 54, was appointed after previously managing Espanyol, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Batson did not say whether the USSF had contacted Josep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp, two high-profile free agents.
Matt Crocker, who recommended Pochettino’s hiring to replace Greg Berhalter as USSF athletic director, said: I quit last month He wanted to get a job with Saudi Arabia’s soccer governing body. Batson said there may not be a single athletic director in charge of both the men’s and women’s programs.
“The ecosystem for men’s soccer and women’s soccer in the U.S. and around the world is different, so we need to think about how we build to reflect that,” Batson said. “I don’t expect to see a similar athletic director in the future.”
Tentative selection of squad for World Cup opening match
Manager Pochettino said that he decided on the starting lineup for the World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12 last winter.
“The only thing I can change is watching them train,” he said.
When asked when he decided on the lineup, he replied, “By March.”
Pulisic’s lack of goals
Manager Pochettino is confident that top American player Christian Pulisic can turn things around. Pulisic finished AC Milan’s season without scoring in 19 games since December 28, and without scoring in eight games in the United States since November 2024.
“He will score in the World Cup. Yes, I really believe in that,” Pochettino said. “He has a very good attitude, very good commitment. He is working hard to achieve the highest level and I believe he will definitely achieve that.”
Pulisic missed last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup because he wanted to take some time off. He was offered a chance to play in a friendly before last year’s tournament, but Pochettino refused.
“I’m disappointed in him,” Pochettino said. “He was disappointed with our decision not to take part in the two friendlies.”
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