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United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is preparing for his first World Cup in charge of the United States, with the official 26-player roster revealed May 26 for this summer’s 48-team tournament.
But if Pochettino decides to leave his post after the World Cup, who could replace him? Would US Soccer try to hire another coach with extensive European experience?
There is one candidate that will continually be talked about among fans and commentators.
Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City to retire from the Premier League side after 10 years in charge. His next coaching destination, however, is still unknown.
Alexi Lalas, football analyst at FOX Sports, explained how the United States could be a landing spot for Guardiola.
“If Pep Guardiola is available, you’d be stupid not to take a call and sit down and see what he thinks about these things. Mauricio Pochettino, I think he’s going to move on, and he’s going to have wonderful opportunities,” Lalas said on Monday’s edition of Alexi Lala’s “State of the Union.”
Pochettino has led the Stars and Stripes since 2024 and is attending his first World Cup as head coach. However, the Argentine has expressed an interest in returning to coaching in Europe – having managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. If Pochettino leaves, Lalas sees Guardiola as a solid option – but notes that the US might not reach Guardiola’s level of talent.
Guardiola’s coaching CV is one of the best in the business. The Spaniard took the reins of Barcelona in 2008, leading Lionel Messi and Co to three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. He then moved to Bayern Munich and won the Bundesliga three times. During his 10-year stay at Manchester City, he won the Premier League six times in seven years, the League Cup four times, two FA Cups and a Champions League victory in 2023.
“For all his success and his intelligence when it comes to the game, he still has to apply it to a very different scenario, both in terms of international, but also in terms of being an inferior team compared to the elites. Pep has established his greatness, creating even greater great teams. And the United States is not a great team for him to fall into,” Lalas said.
But what makes Guardiola a prime target for the next United States coach?
Guardiola took a year’s break from coaching and moved to New York after his four-year stint at Barcelona. He learned English, spent time with family and even attended a few MLS games. Especially with his stated interest in one day coaching a national team, Lalas sees the United States as a potential landing spot for Guardiola.
“You absolutely make this call, you might even get that call. We know Pep has taken a sabbatical. Where did he go? He went to the United States. He might like it,” Lalas said.
