What’s the deal with USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino? From the past few weeks, the Argentinian superstar has been linked to occupy the vacant managerial chair left by Gregg Berhalter. Even though the possibility of this move is closer than ever, the official announcement has yet to materialize, with the decision seems to be pushed to the eleventh hour. So, what are the reasons behind this delay?

Reason 1: Chelsea continues to play the waiting game over Mauricio Pochettino’s deserved payday

Mauricio Pochettino’s debut with the USMNT remains uncertain due to an unresolved contract situation with his former club, Chelsea, specifically concerning his severance package. The Blues owe the 52-year-old $13.2 million following his departure from Stamford Bridge by mutual consent after the Todd Boehly-led club decided to end his tenure with a year still remaining on his contract.

Although Pochettino is entitled to this sum, Chelsea has been slow to settle the payment, causing delays that have put the USMNT and Pochettino in a difficult position. The USSF is keen to resolve the matter quickly, and Pochettino was initially expected to join the team for their upcoming September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand in Kansas City.

In the meantime, Mikey Varas is leading the USMNT. Despite this, reports indicate that discussions between U.S. Soccer, Pochettino, and Chelsea are ongoing and remain positive. However, without resolving his contract situation, it won’t be possible for him to coach the American Boys. Even if he’s close to agreeing with the settlement, it’s too late to see him coach in the September window, which brings us to our second key reason.

Reason 2: A big-name coach deserves a big platform to start

If it had been in the hands of the ardent fans, they would have given the command in the hands of Mauricio Pochettino in a split second. Sadly, that’s not how it works. Aside from the legalities, the former PSG boss needs what every good thing requires to be successful: time and patience. Though one may complain that time is of the essence and USSF has already waster enough, there’s a solid theory to consider.

Imagine if the US Soccer makes the announcement this very moment, would he get time to get used to things like every typical coach gets? Absolutely not. Also, imagine this, if he does take charge just hours before the September clashes against Canada and New Zealand, and the result turns out to be a negative one, then surely it would be one of the worst debuts one could imagine. Even fans wouldn’t want this to happen.

They may see it in the case of Mikey Varas once but surely not on Pochettino’s watch. Definitely, the former Southampton man would also seek time to get familiar with his new surroundings, select the best assistant coaching staff, and ensure the ideologies that he envisions for the Eagles are the same. This approach mirrors Emma Hayes’ situation when she was appointed as USWNT head coach.

Hayes needed to wrap up her commitments at Chelsea, while her assistant, Twila Kilgore, familiarized herself with the team by serving as interim coach. Similarly, Pochettino is expected to carefully assemble his staff and get acquainted with the federation’s operations and the players. Hence, we wouldn’t be surprised if Pochettino’s official debut is delayed until the October window.

However, when do you think Mauricio will kick-start his USMNT journey? Also, are there any other reasons for this delay? Let us know in the comments.