The new USMNT head coach made the most of his first impressions, with big goals and big swagger
NEW YORK – Mauricio Pochettino got it right immediately. In answering the first question asked at his introductory news conference after being unveailed as the new coach of the U.S. men's national team Friday, the Argentine head coach called it soccer.
“I’m impressed that you remembered to call it soccer,” USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone added with a laugh.
And it wasn’t the only chuckle of the hour-long event. Tucked away on the 24th floor of Hudson Yards in New York City, before the bright lights of a deceptively large auditorium, the United States Soccer Federation curated a jovial atmosphere.
The media, officials, and, of course, Pochettino, gathered for good vibes and at times shameless platitudes. But after nearly two years of negativity around the USMNT, one thing shone through: hope.
"We will run"
Pochettino was thoroughly charming throughout. He seemed filled with confidence and swagger, and had the room – full of the most prominent soccer publications in the United States – smirking and giggling. The occasional slip in English was met by an agreeable laugh. When allowed to switch to Spanish, he remarked that he was “happy to have a rest.”
No questions were dodged. Sure, there was coach-speak to be found: “We will play good soccer." "We will run." "We have to believe that we can win.”
But the coach, who has managed four top flight European clubs in a 15 year career, never avoided an answer. The queries he didn’t understand were met with clarifications and translations.
Amidst it all, optimism ran abound. The federation brought out legendary announcer Andres Cantor, native to Pochettino’s Argentina, to introduce the whole thing. He spoke for five minutes to open the event, saying that with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the U.S. is “two years away from the biggest sporting event in history.” He asserted that the “entire soccer landscape in America is healthy and thriving.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSaying all the right things
That was followed by a hype video so compelling it overshadowed – well, almost – the memories of the U.S. squad's disappointing group stage Copa America exit.
There they were: the USMNT. Yunus Musah flew into tackles, Chris Richards rose for headers, and Christian Pulisic found the back of the net. Despite the British rap music accompanying the footage, one could otherwise taste the patriotism in the room.
By the time the video rolled to a close, with the USMNT crest in the middle as the screen faded to black, the room was full of applause – even from those from some of the supposedly impartial media. And then Pochettino spoke. He then entertained questions for 45 minutes, sharing a stage with Parlow Cone and fellow U.S. Soccer executives Matt Crocker and JT Batson. The other three were mostly spectators as Pochettino spoke, Crocker cutting an almost smug figure as he watched his appointee run rings around an expectant media corps.
At the end of it all, the room was filled with applause, and smiles from those who weren’t. Who could blame them? After so many years of false promises and golden generations, here was perhaps the right man to lead it all, wearing a suit, smiling, saying all of the right things.
Getty ImagesLooking forward
Everyone had converged, too. The media were greeted by MLS officials. Commissioner Don Garber sat in the front row. Pochettino’s reported $6 million salary is being partially funded by billionaire Ken Griffin. This was a celebration, a show of strength, the unflappable coach given the power to control a broken side.
It marked a contrast from the final coaching days of Gregg Berhalter. The former Columbus Crew boss spent the whole of Copa America being peppered with questions about his job security. More broadly, an American head coach hasn't sat comfortably through a news conference in more than a year.
Eventually, the questions ended. Pochettino covered it all, ranging from the current state of the squad, to the expectations for the future. He talked about his future home – set for Atlanta – and the promise of good Barbecue that lies in the American South.
Getty Images Sport"On an amazing path"
There were drinks and smiles after, views over New York City to accompany them. Pochettino had been whisked away, Crocker gone with him. He has already done his sightseeing in New York. A journey to Chicago to meet everyone at U.S. Soccer in the coming weeks is on the cards. A new house comes next, and is family are supposedly delighted about the opportunity to move to the States.
And after all of the quotes, platitudes, and good vibes, it was Cantor’s assertion, made two minutes in, that remained:
“This sport is on an amazing path, and today is an incredible moment which we will remember for years to come.”