Mauricio Pochettino was asked about his future as the head coach of the US Men’s National Team after a crushing exit at the hands of Belgium in the FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT were humiliated by Belgium in their Round of 16 fixture, losing 4-1 to end the hosts’ tenure at the World Cup.
With the team’s run in the tournament now over, all eyes were on head coach Mauricio Pochettino and what his future would be.
Mauricio Pochettino says now is ‘not the moment’ to discuss USMNT future
Speaking to reporters after the game, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed he would not be addressing his future with the team as things stand.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and PSG coach said he would go on vacation before discussing his future with USMNT officials, with whom he has a ‘very good relationship.’
“In the next weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk. Right now, it’s about resting a little bit, to think, have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is. I’m so happy. We’ve built a very good relationship; now is not a moment to talk about (my future).”
Pochettino took over as USMNT head coach in September of 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter after the team’s abysmal performance at the 2024 Copa America.
While the team improved drastically under his stewardship, there had been concerns about how far the Argentine coach could realistically take them.
USMNT’s disappointing form at FIFA World Cup continues
For the USMNT, the World Cup has been a perennial reminder that they are just not at the level of the elite footballing nations in the world.
Ever since their 2010 Round of 16 exit at the hands of Ghana, the USMNT has regularly disappointed at the FIFA World Cup.
In 2014, they made it out of the group to the Round of 16, where they got knocked out by a rising Belgium team after a hard-fought contest.
They would miss the 2018 World Cup after failing to qualify. Upon returning to the tournament in 2022, they were swiftly defeated by the Netherlands.
And with their exit at the hands of Belgium, the USMNT has now gone 1-4 in their last four knockout games at the tournament.
Contrast this with the ever-impressive USWNT, who are widely considered the greatest team in women’s sports; the USMNT have been thoroughly disappointing.
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