Mauricio Pochettino outlines his ambitions with the United States

Appointed as the head coach of the United States last September, Mauricio Pochettino surprised many by leaving Europe for the United States. In a recent interview with the Telegraph, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager reflected on this decision, his memories in the Premier League, and his ambitions with Team USA.

The United States, a deliberate choice

Former manager of Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea, Pochettino was often mentioned among potential candidates for the England national team. However, it is indeed on the U.S. bench that he has settled, a choice he does not regret.

"England feels like home now, but I am Argentinian, and that can always be controversial. I was often in the discussions, but football is all about timing. In the United States, the offer came, and we accepted it."

The immense pressure of the 2026 World Cup

With the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expectations around the American team are immense. Pochettino is aware of this, but he sees this pressure as a driving force:

"In the United States, the culture of sport is geared towards winning. It's pressure, yes, but positive pressure that drives us to give our best."

And this expectation comes even from the highest political spheres, as he discovered during a conversation between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino:

The president asked, "Can we win the World Cup?" Infantino replied, 'Yes.' I would have preferred if he said, "Ask your great coach, Pochettino!"

Tottenham, a return considered?

His stint with the Spurs marked his career, and his attachment to the London club remains intact.

"I would like to return one day, not out of ego, but to win with Tottenham. We were so close, and it was painful… Today, the club has the ambition to win trophies, and I would like to be part of it one day," he confides.

Pochettino, not yet a star in the United States

Despite his impressive resume, Pochettino has yet to taste celebrity status in the United States:

"They haven't given me the green card yet! Last time, I waited an hour and a half at Los Angeles airport. I'm not complaining, but maybe one day, I'll truly feel that status."

In the meantime, the Argentinian remains focused on his mission: preparing the United States to shine at "their" World Cup in 2026.

Aliou Toundé |

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