USMNT fans worried Mauricio Pochettino is ‘checked out’ before World Cup with AC Milan report

USMNT fans worried Mauricio Pochettino is ‘checked out’ before World Cup with AC Milan report originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When the USMNT secured Mauricio Pochettino as its next head coach, the excitement was palpable. Pochettino managed Tottenham to its first Champions League Final and PSG to a Ligue 1 title. 

But this excitement has quickly turned to skepticism. It’s been revealed that Pochettino is a candidate in AC Milan’s coaching search. The Italian juggernaut is looking for a successor to Massimiliano Allegri after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

The last thing fans want to hear is that their coach is out there looking for a new job. While he will serve the rest of his term with the USMNT regardless of the AC Milan offer, some fans are worried about Pochettino being checked out. 

Here’s why fans are concerned about Pochettino’s commitment to the role.

MORE: Biggest USMNT roster snubs ahead of 2026 World Cup

Why USMNT fans are worried Mauricio Pochettino is ‘checked out’

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows when the team first hired Pochettino, and fans have grown increasingly frustrated with his leadership and decision-making. Some speculate that he just needed any coaching opportunity when he signed on with the team and he remains in that mindset.

There will be major pressure on the U.S. team to deliver on home soil. Fans expect major things out of Pochettino and exploring other roles in his free time is not what they like to hear from their coach.

Other fans, however, believe that this news is no surprise, and that Pochettino was never meant to be a long-term mainstay. 

As a result of this backlash from fans, US Soccer CEO JT Batson answered reporters’ questions on the matter. In this, he stressed that Pochettino has been honest and not hidden anything from the US Soccer Federation. 

MORE: Gio Reyna seeks to rewrite personal history at 2026 World Cup

Is Mauricio Pochettino leaving USMNT after World Cup? 

Yes, Pochettino is expected to leave the team after the World Cup. His contract is set to expire in September, meaning it will carry him through the end of the World Cup. 

After that, Pochettino will look elsewhere. By that logic, he already has, as he spoke with AC Milan about their coaching vacancy. There is no defined next step for Pochettino, but he is already in the mix in one location.

Mauricio Pochettino AC Milan rumors

An initial report from Nicolo Schira reported that Pochettino will leave the USMNT after the World Cup. He has also been offered to AC Milan as a potential coaching replacement, the report went on to say.

Former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is believed to be the favorite to fill the vacancy. That being said, Pochettino is still in the mix. There is no specific timeline on when the next head coach will be determined. 

Mauricio Pochettino contract

After signing a two-year deal in September 2024, Pochettino’s contract with the USMNT does not last much longer. 

The head coach’s contract lasts through the end of the World Cup, with Pochettino reportedly departing after its conclusion. 

Pochettino is earning $6 million a year under this contract. This makes him the highest-paid coach in the history of the USMNT.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *