*This content was translated by AI.
Mauricio Pochettino, widely known as the key figure behind Son Heung-min (34, LAFC)'s smooth transition to the English Premier League (EPL), will continue leading the U.S. men's national soccer team through 2030.
The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on the 3rd (Korean time) via its official website that it has reached an agreement with Pochettino and his staff to extend their contract through 2030. The federation stated, "Pochettino and his coaching staff will continue to drive the growth of the U.S. national team while exerting a greater influence on American soccer as a whole."
After signing the renewal, Pochettino said, "Over the past two years working with the U.S. Soccer Federation, I have confirmed there is tremendous potential to make the national team program even stronger. The passion shown by fans during the World Cup has further solidified our belief. We aim to strengthen systems for players, coaches, and the team, and leave a long-term impact on American soccer beyond just results on the field."
Since taking charge of the U.S. national team in September 2024, Pochettino has focused on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Through this renewal, Pochettino and his coaching staff are expected to serve in advisory and support roles across all aspects of American soccer, including building systems for both the Seong In (CEO) team and the Yeon Ryeong-byeol (CEO) team, developing youth soccer, educating coaches, and cooperating with professional leagues.
Under Pochettino's leadership, the United States topped its group in the North American World Cup qualifiers and then defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, securing a World Cup tournament victory for the first time since 2002, 24 years later. The U.S. scored in all five matches played, showcasing an attacking style that netted two or more goals in four games.
Additionally, before the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, Pochettino's team is scheduled to compete in various official tournaments, including the 2027 CONCACAF Nations League, the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2029 CONCACAF Nations League, and the 2029 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone expressed strong confidence, stating, "Pochettino has built a culture where players trust each other, which has translated into results on the world's biggest stage. These are the culture and staff we want to continue investing in."
However, regarding this contract renewal, British media outlet 'The Guardian' strongly criticized it on the same day, calling Pochettino's extension with the U.S. national team "a risky and unnecessary decision."
Even so, 'The Guardian' acknowledged that Pochettino had improved the U.S. national team's performance, including a 4-1 victory over Paraguay before they were eliminated by Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, but pointed out that the long-term contract extending to 2030 is akin to gambling.
The media analyzed that "Pochettino likely remained with the U.S. national team because there were no available managerial positions at major European clubs like Tottenham, PSG, or Chelsea." Although linked with AC Milan before the World Cup, the report explained he stayed after Hugo Amoreim joined as manager elsewhere.
Concerns about the difficulty of upcoming competitions were also raised. 'The Guardian' noted, "The 2030 World Cup qualifiers will not begin until November 2027. Until then, matches in the CONCACAF Nations League, Gold Cup, and friendlies lack intensity."
The article also cited the harsh history of second terms for former U.S. national team managers. Bruce Arena achieved a quarterfinal miracle in 2002 but was eliminated in the group stage in 2006. Bob Bradley was dismissed just one year after taking charge in 2010. Jurgen Klinsmann's second tenure ended with failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals, and Gregg Berhalter was also fired following a disastrous Copa America campaign.
Issues of cost-effectiveness were also discussed. The media stated, "Pochettino received an annual salary exceeding $5 million (approximately 7 billion won) during his first seven months," and criticized the situation of retaining a top-earner for matches against Nicaragua, Jamaica, Panama, etc., as "like buying a supercar to go grocery shopping."
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*This content was translated by AI.
