Pochettino dismisses Milan speculation, reaffirms USMNT World Cup focus
With the tournament opener just 16 days away, Mauricio Pochettino addressed reports linking him to the Italian club, describing the interest as a compliment while maintaining that his primary obligation remains with the national team.
US Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has publicly denied reports that he met with executives at AC Milan last week, dismissing the speculation as disrespectful to his current role. The denial follows recent media coverage suggesting the coach had held discussions with the Italian club, which recently dismissed head coach Massimiliano Allegri and several other high-ranking officials.
Pochettino acknowledged that while he did not personally attend any meeting, it is standard practice for his representatives to explore future options. He noted that such discussions are normal for coaches nearing the end of a contract term, particularly given that his current deal with US Soccer is set to expire after the World Cup. "My representatives work for me to try to find the best possibility for the future. That is normal," he stated, adding that agents for various coaches routinely hold conversations with different clubs.
The coach emphasised that his focus remains entirely on the upcoming World Cup, with the USMNT’s opener scheduled in approximately 16 days. Pochettino described the links to Milan as a compliment, suggesting that the interest indicates he is performing well. He reiterated that he has previously turned down job offers while under contract, both during his tenure with the USMNT, which began in the fall of 2024, and throughout his career at clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Pochettino also highlighted ongoing engagement with US Soccer leadership, confirming he had dinner with US Soccer CEO J.T. Batson and his coaching staff at a restaurant in New York on Sunday. The discussion centred on the federation’s four-year project, including preparations for the 2028 Olympics, youth national teams, and coaching education. Batson later confirmed that Pochettino and his staff were among the last to leave the new national training centre, continuing those strategic conversations.
Addressing questions about his long-term future, Pochettino left the door open for a contract extension but insisted his immediate priority is fulfilling his current commitment. He criticised those who question his loyalty, stating that such speculation creates unnecessary problems and distracts from the team’s preparation. "Our commitment is the World Cup," he said, asserting that he would not abandon his duties for another club mid-tournament.
