FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — U.S. national team captain Tyler Adams expressed his understanding of Manchester United’s reported interest in his coach, Mauricio Pochettino. Speaking to Yahoo Sports on Wednesday, Adams noted the qualifications that make Pochettino a strong candidate for the prestigious Premier League club.
“Why would his name not be on it?” Adams remarked, referencing United’s list of coaching candidates. “I mean, the credibility, the résumé speaks for itself. It goes to show for us how lucky we are to be able to work under a manager of his quality and the person he is.”
As of Wednesday morning, Manchester United had not yet reached out to the U.S. Soccer Federation about the 54-year-old Argentine coach. Pochettino recently extended his contract with the USSF through the 2030 World Cup, as reported by a source to Yahoo Sports.
According to ESPN, Pochettino is open to a return to the Premier League, where he has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. Discussions between Manchester United and Pochettino’s representatives have taken place, although the manager has been under consideration by the club on three prior occasions.
If Manchester United decides to hire Pochettino, they would need to pay a reported $10 million release fee to the USSF. Should Pochettino depart, it is likely that his coaching staff, including assistants Jesús Pérez and Miguel D’Agostino, as well as goalkeepers coach Toni Jiménez, would accompany him.
Neither Pochettino nor officials from the USSF have released statements regarding the situation. Pochettino is set to speak with reporters on Friday, the day before the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal first leg match against Haiti in Miami.
Adams highlighted the significance of Pochettino’s hiring, indicating it was “really an opportunity to move the federation forward.” He added, “So when you do a good job as a player or coach, you’re linked to something. There’s rumors every single day with players going to different places or different clubs. It’s no different with a manager.”
Throughout the week, Pochettino’s schedule has remained consistent. Before training on Tuesday, he engaged in casual conversation with USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone and chief operating officer Dan Helfrich. Their visit to the training ground was not related to the speculation surrounding Pochettino.
While Parlow Cone refrained from commenting, Helfrich was unavailable for inquiries.
The U.S. Men’s National Team will continue their training at the USSF facility near Atlanta until Friday, before heading to South Florida for a match at Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This match will mark the team’s first official game since their Round-of-16 exit to Belgium in the World Cup. The second leg against Haiti is scheduled for Tuesday in Cincinnati.
“Until we’re told otherwise, we have an opportunity to work with a great coach,” Adams stated. “Let’s focus on the games that are at hand and winning these games against Haiti. Coming here to the training ground and being able to train here is always amazing.”
