"I miss the world of football in England." That's Mauricio Pochettino, speaking to a French publication last week, not exactly disguising where his instincts point. And yet, on Monday in Marietta, Georgia, the USMNT head coach gave a notably different impression — that he's not quite ready to walk away from this job either.
"I am very happy here," he said. "Why not, if we are happy and the federation is happy." He cited the new U.S. Soccer training facility coming to Fayetteville, Georgia, the growth of youth soccer, and the post-World Cup legacy as genuine reasons to stay. Whether that's conviction or a coach keeping his options warm is the real question.
The Spurs situation complicates everything
The club Pochettino managed for five years — and still clearly cares about — is sitting 17th in the Premier League. One wrong run of results from a first relegation since 1978. Pochettino didn't dodge the subject: "I am sure they are going to stay up," he said, calling his time at Spurs "one of the best experiences of my life."
He also confirmed he's had no direct contact with Tottenham or Real Madrid, both of whom have been linked to him for next season. That matters. No talks means no deal is close — but it doesn't mean the phone won't ring the moment the World Cup ends in August.
Spurs appear to be close to appointing Roberto De Zerbi anyway, which could effectively close that door. Real Madrid is a different conversation entirely, though the timing and profile don't obviously align. If anything, USMNT keeping Pochettino beyond the tournament is a more realistic scenario than it was a month ago.
On the injury front
Chris Richards is available after missing the Belgium match with a knee issue. Johnny Cardoso, however, flew back to Madrid on Monday after managing just 45 minutes against Belgium with a leg problem — he was already ruled out of Atletico's match against Barcelona through suspension. Pochettino said there are no plans to bring in a replacement player mid-camp.
Two bodies down heading into a Portugal match, with the manager's future still unresolved and a World Cup to prepare for. "Now is not the time to talk," Pochettino said. He's probably right. But come August, everyone will be talking.
