Pochettino Denies Meeting with AC Milan Amid Coaching Speculations
Fayetteville, Ga. – U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has refuted claims of meeting with AC Milan regarding their vacant head coaching position. However, he did not dismiss the possibility of discussions involving his representatives. Pochettino remains fully committed to the U.S. team as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Contract Details and Discussions with Milan
Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer runs until the conclusion of the next World Cup. Despite his denials, sources have indicated that he has engaged in conversations with AC Milan, a prominent club in Italy’s Serie A, following the dismissal of coach Massimiliano Allegri after the team failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Responses During Press Interaction
During a press conference after a training session at the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Training Center near Atlanta, Pochettino was straightforward when asked about his supposed meeting with Milan, stating, “No.” However, when queried about whether his agents had been in contact with the club, he remarked, “They need to work, so that might be possible.”
Commitment to the National Team
Pochettino emphasized his intention to fulfill his commitment to the U.S. team, asserting that he would turn down immediate offers from any club. “If a club comes to me and says, ‘Oh, Mauricio, we want you, but you need to start tomorrow,’ I say, ‘Sorry, I’m signing with the (U.S.) national team,’” he affirmed.
Previous Links to Club Soccer
This situation is not the first instance of Pochettino being linked to a return to club management while coaching the U.S. team. Last June, he was rumored to be in discussions with Brentford and former club Tottenham, both of which he denied, stating that a return to Tottenham is “not realistic.”
Future Prospects and Milan’s Plans
Despite his current obligations, sources have revealed that AC Milan is focusing on building a competitive squad with a strong investment in young talent—an initiative that could pique Pochettino’s interest. U.S. Soccer Federation CEO J.T. Batson has acknowledged Pochettino’s openness regarding potential opportunities with other clubs, while maintaining that the coach is wholeheartedly invested in the U.S. men’s national team.
U.S. Soccer’s Succession Planning
Batson reassured that Pochettino is committed to leading the U.S. team, stating his confidence in the coach’s focus and excitement for the upcoming World Cup. He further indicated that the U.S. Soccer Federation meets monthly to discuss succession planning and potential unexpected scenarios, emphasizing the dynamic nature of global football.
Pochettino’s Future with U.S. Soccer
Pochettino has acknowledged that while no future contracts are solidified, there is mutual satisfaction between him and the U.S. Federation. He stated, “No one knows what will happen. But if we are happy and the federation is happy, then what then?” After a challenging Serie A season, AC Milan is in a phase of restructuring, marking a new beginning for the club. Candidates considered for the role include Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Andoni Iraola, and Ralf Rangnick.
Upcoming World Cup Challenges
Appointed as the head of the U.S. men’s national team in September 2024, Pochettino has recorded a 13-7-2 win-loss-draw record. The United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, facing Paraguay on June 12, Australia on June 19, and Turkey on June 25 in the group stage.
