Mauricio Pochettino has been linked to a surprise new role despite speculation he could be England’s next manager.
The Argentine has been among a spate of names tipped to be the next England manager after Gareth Southgate resigned from his post in the wake of his second successive European Championship final defeat.
Lee Carsley, Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are said to be among the favourites for the job, while Pochettino, who left Chelsea at the end of last term, is also likely to have been considered.
However, according to the Telegraph, the Football Association could face competition from the United States for Pochettino’s services.
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The publication has alleged that the US have been making checks on Pochettino, but there has at present, been no direct contact.
Pochettino would be free to take either the England or US job under the terms of his exit from Chelsea.
The club would allegedly be due compensation worth around £5million should he join a ‘top six’ Premier League side in the six months following his departure, but there is nothing stopping him from taking an international job.
Pochettino is reportedly open to the possibility of managing a national team at some point and has previously said he would be interested in taking over England, where he has coached at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Before the 2022 World Cup, Pochettino told The Athletic that he was open to managing England.
“My relationship with England has always been very good,” he said when asked about the England job. “We have a very good relationship with the academies, trying to develop young players for the national team. I feel so comfortable here. You never know what happens. I am open to everything.”
While he has never spoken about the prospect of managing the US, it could be an enticing prospect with the upcoming World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Topics: Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, Chelsea, USA
Chris Byfield