New head coach announced as USMNT play match in Cincinnati

FILE – Chelsea’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino, left, and Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola gesture during the English FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

CINCINNATI, Oh. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- A weeks long wait for the official unveiling of Mauricio Pochettino as the new United States men’s national team head coach ended 30 minutes before the team kicked off in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Poch’s New Gig

The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham, Southampton and Espanyol manager has agreed to terms with the US Soccer Federation. The goal for the Argentine is to lead the U.S. to a successful 2026 World Cup on home soil. He signs a two-year contract to manage the national team.

“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” said Pochettino. “The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”

Pochettino’s experience in chronological order includes…

• Espanyol (Spain)
• Southampton (England)
• Tottenham (England)- achieved club’s first UEFA Champions League Final in 2019.
• PSG (France)- won Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and made the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
• Chelsea (England)

Some of the funding used to hire Pochettino was generated by a gift from billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, who is the founder and CEO of multiple companies.