The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Mauricio Pochettino looks set to become the next head coach of the U.S. men’s national team — but his appointment is not straightforward.
While the Argentine is out of work following his departure from Chelsea in May, there are more hurdles to be cleared before he can be formally confirmed in his new role.
So what is the hold-up and how quickly could things be resolved?
The Athletic has spoken to several sources with knowledge of the situation, who all asked to remain anonymous to protect their positions and because of the sensitivities around the negotiations, to try and answer those questions.
What has happened so far?
U.S. Soccer has been searching for a new head coach for its men’s national team since Gregg Berhalter was sacked on July 10 following a disappointing performance in the Copa America.
A day later, The Athletic reported that U.S. Soccer (USSF) had approached the former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to gauge his interest in taking over, only for the German to politely decline the opportunity, saying he wanted to take a break from football.
Pochettino then emerged as the governing body’s preferred candidate and, on Thursday, The Athletic revealed that he had agreed to take the head coach role. Neither Pochettino nor the USSF has said anything publicly on the matter since the story broke.
So why is the contract not signed?
The terms of Chelsea’s severance package with Pochettino are where things get a bit more complicated.
Pochettino left Chelsea one year into a contract which originally stretched to two years, with the option of a third.
He has verbally committed to taking the USMNT job. Pochettino is free and clear to do so — there is nothing in his Chelsea contract preventing that and club sources insist no money is owed if he takes another position.
Given national team roles tend to pay less than their club equivalents, Chelsea are actively discussing with Pochettino possible solutions involving third-party sponsorships and other ways to support making the situation financially feasible for the Argentine.
His Chelsea contract only applies a prohibition on the top-six Premier League clubs for six months. Chelsea retain a strong relationship with Pochettino — Laurence Stewart, their technical director, even sent the USSF a glowing reference for him — and are continuing dialogue with him to enable him to proceed with the USMNT opportunity.
