sports
Mauricio Pochettino’s US return is risky, expensive and probably unnecessary
In giving the head coach another World Cup cycle, US Soccer is tempting fate for negligible benefit
TL;DR
- Mauricio Pochettino has accepted a contract extension with US Soccer through the 2030 World Cup.
- Pochettino's initial tenure is described as a success, having energized the team and established a playing system.
- The decision to re-sign Pochettino is viewed as a gamble, with concerns about his potential departure for club opportunities.
- The history of USMNT managers in second World Cup cycles is largely unsuccessful.
- The upcoming World Cup qualifying schedule is less intense, raising questions about the high cost of keeping Pochettino.
- The team is also aging, with key players experiencing frequent injuries.