Pochettino Reflects on Reyna’s USMNT Recall
Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national team, has shared his thoughts on the return of Gio Reyna to the squad for upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay.
Since taking over the coaching role in September 2024, following his departure from Chelsea, Pochettino has expressed his anticipation for a future return to the Premier League, a league he lauds as the best in the world.
“I miss the Premier League,” Pochettino told the BBC. “While I am enjoying my time in America, I do think about returning to the Premier League one day as it’s the most competitive league out there.” He is currently preparing the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Pochettino gained prominence during his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, where he led the team to the Champions League final and contended for two league titles. Reflecting on his time at Spurs, he stated, “We were very close to winning a major trophy there, and that’s something I aspire to achieve.” He had a working relationship with Daniel Levy, the former executive chairman of Spurs, who unexpectedly stepped down in September after 24 years with the club. Pochettino remarked on Levy’s exit, saying, “I was surprised. His legacy with the club is remarkable.” He added that Levy was instrumental in providing him the opportunity to manage such a prestigious club.
Pochettino’s compatriot, Lionel Messi, whom he coached at Paris Saint-Germain, joined MLS club Inter Miami in 2023 and has since extended his contract. Messi’s presence in the league has notably increased attendance figures across MLS venues. Pochettino acknowledged the positive impact players like Messi have on youth interest in soccer in America: “They inspire kids to pursue soccer, in addition to basketball, American football, or baseball.”
Through his leadership of the national team, Pochettino aims to foster the growth of soccer in the U.S., stating, “The motivation is immense. Sometimes it seems that the understanding isn’t quite there.” He emphasized the need to communicate the culture of soccer effectively to American players. “After a year, we are seeing significant progress as we work on conveying a universal football language that transcends nationality,” he concluded. The upcoming World Cup offers a pivotal opportunity for the sport’s development in the country.
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