Pochettino Aims for Premier League Return After USMNT Job

United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) head coach Mauricio Pochettino has expressed a strong desire to return to the Premier League, acknowledging that he misses the intensity and competition of England’s top football division. Since taking the helm of the USMNT in September 2024, following his departure from Chelsea, Pochettino is now focused on preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world,” Pochettino stated in an interview with the BBC. “Of course I am missing it. I am so happy in America but also thinking one day to come back to the Premier League. It’s the most competitive league.” His previous tenure at Tottenham Hotspur was marked by significant achievements, including reaching the UEFA Champions League final and challenging for two Premier League titles.

Reflecting on his time at Tottenham, Pochettino noted, “I think we were so close in Tottenham, we nearly touched it [winning a major trophy]. That is a thing that I would want to achieve.” His relationship with Tottenham’s former executive chairman, Daniel Levy, has remained positive, despite Levy’s unexpected exit on September 4, ending his 24-year tenure with the club. Pochettino expressed surprise at Levy’s departure, saying, “His legacy is there. It’s amazing what he did for the club.”

Pochettino’s connection to football continues to flourish in the United States, particularly with the arrival of fellow Argentine star Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Messi’s signing has dramatically boosted attendance at Major League Soccer (MLS) games across the country. “I think players like Messi are helping the kids,” Pochettino remarked, emphasizing that young athletes are now inspired to pursue soccer alongside traditionally popular sports such as basketball and American football.

Driving Soccer Growth in the U.S.

As he prepares for the World Cup, Pochettino aims to enhance the sport’s profile in America. “The motivation is massive. Sometimes you feel that people don’t understand too much,” he explained. He has encountered some skepticism regarding the American player’s understanding of football culture. In response, Pochettino argues that, “the culture of football and soccer. We need to translate the culture of football to the American player.”

Through his work with the national team, Pochettino believes significant progress has been made since he took charge. “I think after one year we are making great progress,” he said. “We are building [ideas] with people that the language of football is only one and it doesn’t care if you are American, Brazilian or English.” He emphasized the importance of instilling a competitive spirit in American players, stating, “Our football is [to] compete in the way that you need to compete, if you want to win.”

Pochettino’s vision for the USMNT as they approach the 2026 World Cup reflects his ambition to elevate soccer’s status in the United States, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive and inspire future generations.