Who is Mauricio Pochettino? Manager history & profile for USMNT head coach

With all eyes on the USMNT as they host this year’s FIFA World Cup, a lot of new eyes will be on the sport. The USMNT is fearlessly led by Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine head coach, who is in the coaching dugout for his first-ever World Cup. 

While this might be Mauricio Pochettino’s first time out coaching on the international stage, he is no stranger to leading some great players. He has coached some of the very best players in the world, including Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane. 

Who is Mauricio Pochettino?

Mauricio Pochettino is the current head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. He has been in charge of the USA since 2024, taking the role over from Gregg Berhalter. 

Pochettino, or simply ‘Poch’ as he is more affectionately known, is considered one of the best coaches in the world. His lack of trophies at his previous clubs might suggest otherwise, but in terms of personality-influenced coaches with the ability to build a deep rapport with his players, there aren’t many better than Mauricio Pochettino. 

Poch is no stranger to the game. Before he entered the world of coaching, he was a player himself. Playing in South America and Europe, he operated in defense as a center back, winning the Copa del Rey with Espanyol and the Primera División with Newell’s Old Boys. 

Mauricio Pochettino coaching history

Mauricio Pochettino began his coaching career at the same club he retired as a player at - Espanyol. The infamous team plays in La Liga, the Spanish first division. 

After spending three great years in Spain, Mauricio Pochettino got the call that personified his career. He was given the reins at Southampton, a team known for playing in the top English divisions. Poch is easily one of the best Southampton coaches of the last decade, but it’s fair to say he isn’t flattered by competition. 

Anyway, it was enough to win him a consideration for the Tottenham role. Coaching Tottenham during one of the clubs biggest transitional periods, Poch placed a real emphasis on nurturing homegrown talent. Under his regimen, the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen (to name just a few) went developed into exceptional players.

It was no surprise, then, that Poch was handed the keys at Paris Saint-Germain. During a time where the French side had Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, it was probably the worst of Poch’s stints to date. He did win Ligue 1, but that’s a given when you’re coaching PSG. He didn’t last long because he didn’t win the Champions League, PSG’s ultimate goal at the time. 

Poch then moved back to the Premier League to coach Chelsea. Infamously, Chelsea is not the club it once was, and Poch coached Chelsea during one of the club’s most unfortunate periods. With no help from wealthy American businessman Todd Boehly (who Los Angeles-based fans might know), Poch vacated Chelsea.

The rest, as they say, is history. He is now head coach of the USMNT, and he’s hoping to make history in the first time the USA has hosted the biggest sporting competition in the world this century. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s coaching style

Mauricio Pochettino is more of a coach as opposed to the traditional soccer ‘manager’. He places a priority on building a relationship with his players, and he gets to know those at his disposal on a personal level. 

Throughout his time as coach, it’s clear to see that Poch is the king of wide-play. He has gotten the best out of key players such as Son Heung-min and Nuno Mendes in his previous set-ups, and this will remain the same with the USA. 

The USA is likely to set up with a defense of three center backs and two wing-backs. This versatile setup suits the USA to a T., since it allows for five defenders out-of-possession and five attackers in-possession. The wing-backs will be Poch’s most important position to prioritize, and he’ll drill it into them to get forward and help out with defense; if you want to be a wing-back for Poch, you'd better be prepared for gut-wrenching output.