Pochettino Poised to Lead USMNT Amid Financial Hurdles and Urgent Deadline

The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is on the verge of appointing Mauricio Pochettino as the next head coach of the U.S. men's national team (USMNT), a move that could signal a new era for American soccer. However, the road to confirmation is anything but straightforward. Since the dismissal of former head coach Gregg Berhalter on July 10, following a lackluster showing in Copa America, the USSF has been in search of a suitable replacement. Initially considering high-profile candidates, including Jurgen Klopp, who declined the opportunity, Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner. Sources indicate that the Argentine coach has verbally committed to the role, although neither he nor the USSF has made an official announcement as of yet. The complexity of Pochettino's situation stems primarily from the terms of his severance package with Chelsea. After parting ways with the London club in May, Pochettino is free to accept the USMNT position, as there are no restrictions in his contract barring him from taking another role. Chelsea has maintained a positive relationship with Pochettino, which could facilitate negotiations, with technical director Laurence Stewart providing a commendable reference to the USSF. Despite this, the financial aspects of his appointment remain a significant hurdle. Pochettino's salary expectations are likely to exceed those of Berhalter, who had a base salary of approximately $1.4 million and earned additional bonuses during his tenure. In contrast, the USSF's recent hiring of Emma Hayes as the women's national team coach reportedly carries a salary close to $2 million per year. Matt Crocker, the sporting director at USSF, has emphasized that the search for a new coach would not be limited by financial constraints, but the realities of funding a coach of Pochettino's caliber are becoming increasingly apparent. The federation is exploring various solutions to bridge the financial gap. While some MLS clubs have previously contributed to national team coach salaries in other countries, American club owners have shown little interest in a similar arrangement for Pochettino. Instead, the USSF is looking into sponsorship opportunities, leveraging Pochettino's global appeal to secure additional funding. The precedent set by Lionel Messi's transfer to Inter Miami, which involved revenue sharing with major sponsors, is one model that could be adapted. As discussions continue, an expectation looms that all parties will come to a resolution. One potential outcome could see Chelsea covering the difference between the salary Pochettino would earn from the USSF and what he would have received had he remained unemployed. This arrangement could benefit everyone involved, enabling the federation to secure a high-caliber coach without overextending its budget. The USSF aims to finalize the deal within the next 48 hours, with a board meeting to ratify the decision anticipated to be a mere formality. As the clock ticks down, the urgency grows, particularly with the USMNT's upcoming friendly matches against Canada and New Zealand set for September 7 and 10, respectively. The prospect of Pochettino at the helm of the national team generates excitement among fans and players alike, as hopes are pinned on a brighter future for American soccer.