USMNT defender Chris Richards praises U.S. Soccer for Mauricio Pochettino hire, not taking 'safe route' with MLS coach

U.S. international Chris Richards is thrilled with the hire of Mauricio Pochettino as coach of the U.S. men's national team.

In an interview for the Crystal Palace matchday program, the 24-year-old central defender said that the Argentine's history at the club level is what has him enthused - but that he is also pleased that U.S. Soccer didn't choose to go the "safe route" by selecting an MLS-level manager.

"You’ve seen [Pochettino's] success in club football,” Richards said. “It’s another sign that U.S. Soccer is pushing to better the game. Hiring a manager like Pochettino shows that you’re serious about growing the game.

"We could have gone down the safe route by choosing a potential coach from the MLS, but I think them going for a coach that might turn them down and going for coaches of caliber is very impressive from U.S. Soccer."

Though currently injured, Richards said he's still excited to help take the program to the next level.

“I’m really excited for it - hopefully we can win games and tournaments with him," he said. "It's funny, people ask me when I'm playing for a team USA: ‘How far do you think you can go in the World Cup?’ I say I want to win it. Whatever I do, we want to be the best at and we want to win.”

Unfortunately for the defender, he is going to miss out on the October camp due to injury, as he will continue training and recovering with Palace during the international break.

Several MLS managers, notably both Wilfried Nancy and Steve Cherundolo, were both names that emerged as potential candidates for the U.S. vacancy this summer.

Palace clash with Liverpool Saturday, before the international break begins next week. The U.S., meanwhile, host Panama and travel to Mexico this month when Pochettino takes the touchline for the first time.