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USMNT Coaching Search: Guardiola, Cherundolo, and Others Named as Pochettino Replacements
USMNT Coaching Search: Guardiola, Cherundolo, and Others Named as Pochettino Replacements
U.S. Soccer is initiating its search for a new head coach following the confirmation that Mauricio Pochettino will leave the position to manage Manchester United. While Pochettino remains in Georgia overseeing training, federation officials are evaluating a list of candidates to lead the national team through the current World Cup cycle.
With Mauricio Pochettino departing for Manchester United, U.S. Soccer has begun identifying potential successors to lead the men’s national team through the current World Cup cycle. Although Pochettino remains in Georgia conducting training sessions, the federation is actively planning for the program's future leadership.
Among the names under consideration is Steve Cherundolo, the head coach of Nashville SC. Cherundolo has deep ties to the USMNT program, having served as an assistant under Gregg Berhalter and as interim head coach during the transition between Berhalter’s tenures. His recent success in Major League Soccer includes guiding LAFC to a Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup title in his inaugural 2022 season. Since taking over at Nashville in 2024, he has achieved significant results, leading the club to this season’s Supporters’ Shield with a league-record 77 points.
The U.S. men’s U-23 team coach is also viewed as a viable option, potentially serving as an interim solution while the federation evaluates longer-term candidates.
Internationally, Pep Guardiola remains a prominent target. The former Manchester City manager is reportedly the top choice for U.S. Soccer executives and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s elite coaches. His resume includes managerial roles at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, where he secured three Champions League titles, six Premier League trophies, and three La Liga and Bundesliga championships each. Currently managing Real Sociedad, Guardiola led the club to the Copa del Rey title last season and is positioning them for a Champions League spot. The 48-year-old New Jersey native previously expressed interest in the USMNT role.
Roberto Martínez is another candidate with extensive international experience. The Spaniard recently coached Belgium and Portugal, leading Belgium to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. However, his subsequent teams have faced criticism for underperformance, including a disappointing exit from the most recent World Cup with Portugal.
Julian Nagelsmann, at 39, brings a strong resume that includes coaching the German national team and Bayern Munich. He managed Germany during the 2024 Euros and the 2025 Nations League, though his tenure concluded with a Round of 32 loss to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The federation must now weigh these options against the immediate demands of preparing for upcoming international fixtures and the long-term goals of the World Cup cycle.
S.Llorente--HdM
