USMNT officials held 'multiple meetings' with Jurgen Klopp before honing in on Mauricio Pochettino for manager role

Pochettino has been appointed as the new USMNT boss after a lengthy search for a new head coach. U.S. Soccer officials initially drew up a list of targets including big-names such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate, according to The Athletic. "Multiple meetings" were even held with Klopp, before Pochettino was finally appointed, with the former Liverpool boss making it clear he needed some time out after his departure from Anfield.

Pochettino takes over the team following his departure from Chelsea in May by mutual consent after just one season. He is now charged with building a team that can put on a great show at the 2026 World Cup in what will be his first role as a manager of a national team. The U.S. will co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico.

The new head coach has spoken about his decision to take the job. He said in a statement: "The decision to join US Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on. The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here - those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the US men's national team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn't pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of."

Pochettino has become the USMNT's tenth head coach in just 14 years after replacing Gregg Berhalter at the helm. He's also the first foreign coach since Jurgen Klinsmann, who took charge of the team between 2011-2016.

Pochettino is due to take charge of the USMNT for the first time in October when the Stars and Stripes take on Panama and Mexico in friendlies.