USMNT Delays Pochettino's Coaching Appointment

U.S. Soccer is in the midst of a search for a new head coach for its men’s national team following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter on July 10, after a lackluster performance in the Copa America. The organization is reportedly considering Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently free from any contractual obligations with Chelsea. However, the financial implications of hiring a coach of Pochettino's stature remain a significant concern, as his salary expectations are yet to be disclosed. Pochettino, despite a challenging season with Chelsea, is recognized as one of the top coaches in football, having previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. His hiring would likely require a salary that surpasses what Berhalter received, who had a background in Major League Soccer before leading the national team. For context, Emma Hayes, the newly appointed head coach of the women’s national team, is reported to earn close to $2 million annually. The financial landscape complicates matters further, as U.S. Soccer may struggle to match the salaries offered by top Premier League clubs. Unlike Canada’s recent hiring of Jesse Marsch, which was supported by financial contributions from MLS teams, American club owners currently show little interest in a similar arrangement for Pochettino. Instead, U.S. Soccer may need to explore alternative funding strategies to accommodate the costs associated with hiring a high-profile coach. One potential solution could involve Chelsea covering the salary gap between what U.S. Soccer can offer and what Pochettino would earn if he remained unemployed. This arrangement, while not uncommon in soccer, would allow Chelsea to minimize their severance payout while ensuring Pochettino receives his full compensation. The timeline for resolving this coaching search remains uncertain as discussions continue.