MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has firmly denied reports linking him to a recent managerial vacancy at Premier League club Brentford. The Argentine coach, who is currently preparing his squad for a Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal against Costa Rica, stated unequivocally, “I never talked to them.”
The denial comes after an Irish media outlet, The42.ie, reported on Saturday that Pochettino had interviewed for the Brentford position, which was ultimately filled by former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews. The report suggested that Pochettino was one of several candidates considered for the role, alongside Steve Cooper, the former Nottingham Forest and Leicester City manager.
Pochettino’s Journey with the USMNT
Pochettino, who took over the U.S. national team last September, has been a prominent figure in international football, having previously managed top European clubs including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur. His contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation runs through next summer’s FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.
Under his leadership, the U.S. team has shown promising results, boasting an 8-3 record. They advanced to the Gold Cup quarterfinals as Group D winners, having secured victories over Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The upcoming match against Costa Rica at U.S. Bank Stadium is highly anticipated, with the potential for a semifinal clash against either Canada or Guatemala in St. Louis.
Speculation and Premier League Connections
This is not the first time Pochettino has been linked with a return to the Premier League since transitioning to international management. Earlier this month, rumors circulated about a possible return to Tottenham Hotspur following the departure of Ange Postecoglou. However, these rumors were quickly dispelled when Tottenham appointed Danish manager Thomas Frank, who left Brentford for the role.
Despite the persistent speculation, Pochettino remains focused on his current responsibilities. “This club never contacted me,” he reiterated, emphasizing his commitment to the USMNT and the ongoing Gold Cup campaign.
Understanding the Rules and Realities
The process of hiring managers in the Premier League is governed by strict rules that prohibit clubs from approaching coaches without permission from their current employers. Such actions, known as “tapping up,” are considered violations. However, it is not uncommon for clubs to use informal channels to gauge interest before making official contact.
In Pochettino’s case, any club interested in his services would need to seek permission from the U.S. Soccer Federation before initiating discussions. “Officially, Premier League rules prevent such approaches from taking place, even informally,” noted a source familiar with the situation.
“I never talked to them,” Pochettino stated, dismissing the rumors of his involvement with Brentford.
Looking Ahead: U.S. Soccer and Pochettino’s Future
As the U.S. team continues its Gold Cup journey, Pochettino’s focus remains on achieving success on the international stage. The team’s performance in the tournament could bolster his reputation further, potentially leading to more interest from top clubs in the future.
For now, Pochettino is committed to the U.S. Soccer Federation and the task at hand. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the team’s progress and Pochettino’s impact as a coach on the international scene.
The U.S. men’s national team will face Costa Rica on Sunday, with fans eager to see if Pochettino can lead them to victory and beyond in the Gold Cup.
