U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, stationed in his home gym in Southampton, England, glanced at his phone and saw a message from Mauricio Pochettino. The former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea manager was at the top of the potential coaching candidates list following the U.S.’s disappointing exit from the Copa America under Gregg Berhalter.
Crocker, who had previously crossed paths with Pochettino during their time at Southampton, decided to reach out to him. He received a response and promptly scheduled a call to discuss the opportunity further.
A meeting was arranged in Barcelona, with U.S. Soccer executives Crocker, JT Batson, and Elaine Lemos sitting down with Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez. As they delved into the project, Crocker and Batson didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s recent failures and the challenges some players were facing in terms of playing time at their clubs.
Pochettino, intrigued by the prospect of coaching at a World Cup and leading a team in the 2026 edition on home soil, engaged in detailed discussions about his plans and ideas. The initial 90-minute meeting extended to four hours, leaving both parties with a positive vibe about the potential partnership.
As the search for a new coach took U.S. Soccer officials through various trips around Europe and discussions with other high-profile candidates, the impact of the meeting in Barcelona was evident. It set the stage for a new era for the U.S. men’s national team under Pochettino’s potential leadership.
The list of candidates was filled with renowned names, but Crocker’s focus on finding a coach with a winning track record remained paramount. Discussions with the director of analytics, Sam Gregory, emphasized the importance of a coach who could deliver results across different environments.
With a blend of optimism and determination, U.S. Soccer embarked on a journey to secure the right fit for the team’s future, setting the stage for an exciting next chapter in American soccer.
