The waiting game is over. USMNT has a new manager to flex, as Mauricio Pochettino has successfully embarked on his debut international journey. After weeks and weeks of delay, the US Soccer Federation confirmed the joyous news just before their 1-1 draw in the September friendlies against New Zealand. While word had persisted that the announcement would have been made earlier, what emerged as the actual missing piece of the puzzle that denied Pochettino from wearing the American flag?

Having sacked Gregg Berhalter in July just days after Copa America upset, the USSF were locked in and loaded to find the right man for the job. After flirting with several big names in the managerial world, things started becoming serious with Pochettino. Soon enough, productive discussions saw the former Tottenham coach become a priority for the Star and Stripes.

The initial idea was to hand over the keys to his manager’s office at the US Soccer headquarters before the September window. That would have seen him prepare his side for the friendly yet crucial clashes against Canada and New Zealand in a short period. However, the Atheltic reports that “Behind the scenes in the States, those waiting for word that the deal was done saw a finish line that kept moving.” That’s not all as “Preparations were made for an announcement on more than one occasion.”

Mostly, the delay was also due to his contract situation at Chelsea. Having left Stamford Bridge after being in charge for the 2023/24 season, technically, Mauricio still had a year contract with the Blues, who owed him somewhere near a $13 million paycheck. The contract stated that had he agreed to take up a new job elsewhere, Chelsea would no longer be liable to pay him.

Additionally, his departure clause also included a six-month prohibition from signing with Chelsea’s major Premier League opponents. Though USMNT doesn’t come under that ‘rival‘ bracket, Poch was keen to discuss a swift break-up with Tod Boehly-led group by getting his deserved payday. Sadly, negotiations didn’t turn out to be quick as his former side kept delaying the process.

It was an ‘All’s well that ends well’ story between USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino

Despite such hiccups, not all hope was lost as fingers were crossed to see Pochettino take control of USMNT’s reigns ASAP. Plan B was underway that would have seen the 52-year-old at least meet with the group in Kansas City before they faced the Canucks. But as they say, everything happens for a reason. The American team endured a 2-1 defeat to Jesse Marsch and Co.—And if Pochettino had been present, the loss would have come under his belt.

Even the New Zealand clash didn’t turn out to be a remarkable one. Looking at the way the defense conceded the equalizer in the final moments of the game shows how badly they require a change. Nevertheless, with the September window finally over, Pochettino can finally take control of steering from Mikey Varas. It would certainly be the October window where he will gather around with the ‘Golden Generation’ and make them understand his project.

In the meantime, Mauricio will also start laying the foundation of his new era, get familiar with the American ways, select his coaching staff, and get settled in his new home for at least until the 2026 World Cup.