The USMNT already lost some opportunities to prove their mettle in soccer. After the 2002 World Cup, the team hardly managed to reach the competition’s quarterfinals despite possessing incredible talent. However, aiming for the best in 2026, the team’s search for a world-class leader seems to have ended. Mauricio Pochettino reportedly agreed to take up the role of coaching the Stars and Stripes after its composite spell under Gregg Berhalter.

However, are the Yanks prepared to overcome the challenges with the upcoming coach? Canada team’s boss Jesse Marsch reveals one silly thing US Soccer should avoid in hands with Pochettino.

Speaking on the Men in Blazers show, the American coach hopes the management doesn’t add restrictions to Pochettino’s ideas. He stated, “Even before we had met, know of each other, and yeah, I think he’s a good guy,” citing his familiarity with the Argentine.

Marsch further said, “And I hope that he’s given a lot of freedom and room to implement what he is and who he is and how he thinks because certainly, the US has never had a national team coach with his pedigree and with his experiences. And we’d be foolish not to really give him the reigns in every way,” expecting a lenient approach from US Soccer.

Earlier, Marsch took a dig at US Soccer for being too stringent in USMNT’s coach hiring process. Matt Crocker was blamed for conducting unnecessary aptitude tests. This was claimed to have led to the rehiring of Berhalter last year instead of Marsch and other competitors. Although that has passed, Pochettino could need some time to settle in.

It has been a long struggle for US Soccer to find a coach with a global reputation. Pochettino hasn’t managed a national team before. But he was known for bringing out the best in clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. The 2022 French league-winning manager is reputed to get along well with youngsters and has good attacking intentions.

Hence, it looks like the team has already got an idea of what to do leading up to the two international matches.

Is USMNT making way for the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino?

USMNT’s squad for the upcoming friendlies has caused a bit of confusion among the enthusiasts. However, plans to indulge more youth in their senior soccer have become evident through their selection. The interim coach Mikey Varas has gone with 13 players under 23. The idea is expected to prepare players in Argentine’s style and keep the 2026 World Cup in mind. In addition, Varas also stated that the training of the current team will focus on getting more intense in attacking, making it easier for Mauricio Pochettino.

While the setup is in progress, it’s just the official signing everyone is waiting for. Recent reports suggest that the former Argentina international will meet Crocker tomorrow and sign the documents to take over. While the time of the announcement is tentative, the squad will try to give him a clear blueprint of the team’s pros and cons in the upcoming games.

And whether they can create an impression by winning has to be seen.