There’s no greater feeling than leading a national team. Mauricio Pochettino, after all the filtering, has got the role of USMNT manager. While US Soccer was hungry to get a manager who could lead its next generation of male stars, options seemed to have been running out of their hands after the rejection by Jurgen Klopp. However, it got the answer from within its own system with the assistance of USWNT coach Emma Hayes.

The amount of motivation Hayes has brought to US Soccer is incredible, to say the least. The manager acknowledged this himself on the Men In Blazers show saying, “I think it’s the culture. This country always creates amazing athletes. All the sports that you can see, the USA, are the best in every single area.” That’s true. Imagine a sport where the U.S. is not great!

He continued, “Soccer women are the best in the world. With Emma now, that is the best coach in the world, or one of the best. I don’t want to be disrespectful to another. But I think we need to match, we need to match the women’s team,” citing the challenge from her impact as one reason for taking up the role.

The task Hayes and her women laid for Pochettino may be one of the toughest. The English coach already revived USWNT as a fiery unit that can get an Olympic gold despite going with one of their youngest squad in the last 10-15 years. Hence, Pochettino is also pumped up to guide USMNT into a new era, citing his aim to win the World Cup. However, considering their struggle to defeat elite teams, the Argentine has his work cut out.

Nevertheless, with Hayes willing to collaborate, supporters can expect something new from their previous under the two former Chelsea managers. Both have built a good rapport since their spells at Chelsea and Hayes, a Spurs fan, followed him since his time with Tottenham. But it needed a bigger effort from Hayes to land Pochettino here.

Emma Hayes’ additional effort helped Pochettino to take up USMNT

Reports earlier suggested that Emma Hayes encouraged even US Soccer to go for Mauricio Pochettino. A few things weren’t looking well for U.S. Soccer as they had time running out of their hands for the 2026 World Cup. However, the 47-year-old kept checking Pochettino’s advancement and suggested USSF CEO to seal the deal with the former Tottenham manager.

Such a validation and push from a manager of Hayes’ stature helps. In addition, the women’s team boss also penned down her excitement to see him in the States.

Welcoming him, the 7-time WSL winning manager stated it is ‘an exciting time for US Soccer’ with him apart from her plans to cooperate. While Hayes already proved her winning habit by helping an Olympic gold within 3 months of joining, Pochettino’s aim to win a major trophy with the Stars and Stripes men will be a mission.

And whether they have entered a new era, only their performances in time will reveal.