USMNT Moves Closer to Hiring Pochettino as Coach Amid Financial Hurdles

The U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) is on the verge of appointing Mauricio Pochettino as its next head coach, but several hurdles remain before the deal can be officially confirmed. Pochettino, who parted ways with Chelsea in May, has verbally committed to the role, although U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) officials have yet to announce the appointment publicly. The search for a new head coach began following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter on July 10 after a disappointing Copa America performance. The USSF initially approached Jurgen Klopp, who declined the opportunity, leading to Pochettino becoming the organization's preferred candidate. While Pochettino is ready to take the helm, the financial implications of his severance package with Chelsea complicate matters. After leaving Chelsea a year into a two-year contract, Pochettino is not legally barred from accepting the USMNT position, and no financial compensation is owed by him or the USSF. However, the nature of national team salaries, which are typically lower than club salaries, raises concerns about how US Soccer will financially accommodate a coach of Pochettino's stature. Pochettino's impressive resume includes stints at top European clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, which means his expected salary would surpass that of Berhalter, who earned just over $1.3 million in base salary and bonuses last year. In contrast, Emma Hayes’ recent appointment as the women's national team head coach commanded a salary close to $2 million, highlighting the financial considerations involved in hiring a high-profile coach. USSF sporting director Matt Crocker has expressed a commitment to securing the best coach available, indicating that financial constraints should not limit their search. Given that the national team is preparing for a home World Cup, there is an understanding that investing in a top-tier coach is necessary. One possibility being explored involves collaboration with sponsors or other financial backers to bridge the salary gap for Pochettino. Similar arrangements have been used in the past, such as the contributions from Canadian Major League Soccer clubs that facilitated Jesse Marsch's appointment as head coach. However, discussions with American MLS club owners have shown a lack of appetite for a similar financial model for the USMNT. Instead, US Soccer may pursue a funding approach that capitalizes on Pochettino's global profile—potentially employing sponsorship deals, similar to the arrangements that supported Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami. Chelsea is reportedly working with Pochettino to explore these avenues. Another likely scenario could involve Chelsea covering the difference between the USSF's offer and Pochettino's potential earnings if he were to remain unemployed, reducing the financial burden on the national team while ensuring Pochettino receives what he is owed. The USSF aims to conclude the negotiations within the next 48 hours, pending ratification at a board meeting—a formality expected to be resolved without significant issues. This timeline is crucial as the USMNT prepares for upcoming friendly matches against Canada and New Zealand on September 7 and 10, respectively. In a sport where coaching decisions can significantly impact team performance, the resolution of Pochettino's potential appointment is eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike. The USSF is aware that securing a coach of Pochettino's caliber is a necessary step toward revitalizing the national team and optimizing its chances for success on the world stage.