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Mauricio Pochettino USMNT Press conferenceAFP
Tom Hindle

Mauricio Pochettino announces USMNT staff, including his son, ahead of Panama and Mexico friendlies

The new U.S. coach unveiled a five-person backroom staff, including several he's familiar with from previous stops

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  • Mauricio Pochettino to use two assistant coaches
  • His son, Sebastiano, will serve as a sports scientist
  • Four of the five worked with new manager previously
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    New U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled an experienced staff Monday, announcing a five-person team to support him at the helm. Three of the five have been among his staff since Pochettino started his managerial career with Argentina in 2009.

    Jesus Perez is set to serve as his primary assistant coach. The Spaniard started his coaching career under Pochettino, serving as a fitness instructor at Espanyol before graduating to an assistant manager role at successive stops at Southampton, Spurs, PSG and Chelsea.

    Miguel “Miki” D’Agostino is also an assistant. As well as working with Pochettino at Espanyol, he was the manager's teammate at Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.

    Antonio “Toni” Jimenez has been brought on as the goalkeeping coach. He had an extensive professional career as a goalie around Spain, and joined Pochettino at Espanyol in 2011.

    Sebastiano Pochettino, Mauricio's son, is also on staff as a sports scientist. The Argentine was one of the youngest sports scientists in the Premier League when he joined his father at Tottenham in 2016.

    Silvia Tuya Vinas rounds out the staff, and joins from FC Levante Badalona in the Spanish women's top flight.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The coaching staff will come together for the new manager's first camp starting this week. Pochettino oversaw his first training session on Monday, and will be working with a rather limited group as the USMNT is dealing with a slew of injuries.

    U.S. soccer parted ways with Gregg Berhalter's former assistant Vincent Cavin as part of the transition between the two staffs.

  • WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

    The new manager expressed his anticipation upon introducing of his staff: "I speak for our entire staff when I say we are very excited and proud to have this opportunity to work with these players and the U.S. men’s national team. Together, we have a lot of experience and a very clear way of working. We’re going to take that experience, get to know these guys as people and players, share our knowledge, and together as a united group help this team accomplish our goals.”

  • Mauricio Pochettino introduced HICGetty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

    The USMNT have a pair of upcoming friendlies. First comes a clash with Panama on Saturday night in Austin, Texas. Next, they will face Mexico in Guadalajara on Oct. 15.