U.S. Soccer considers Pep Guardiola among options if Mauricio Pochettino departs
Pep Guardiola is reportedly on U.S. Soccer’s list should Mauricio Pochettino depart for Manchester United.
U.S. Soccer is already drawing up contingency plans in case Mauricio Pochettino leaves his post as head coach — and among the names being discussed is Pep Guardiola, the Spaniard most recently in charge at Manchester City.
Reports in American and British outlets say Guardiola is on the list of potential successors should Pochettino vacate the U.S. men's national team job, while the Argentine coach is reportedly close to taking over at Manchester United. Guardiola has been out of club management since his departure from Manchester City after a ten‑year spell at the Etihad.
Guardiola’s links to the U.S.
One factor that brings Guardiola into the conversation is his familiarity with the United States: he spent his non‑coaching year in New York during the 2012–13 pause in his managerial career, and in the past he has said he would like to work as a national team coach before the end of his career.
Alongside Guardiola, U.S. Soccer has also been linked with several other candidates: Roberto Martinez, Steve Cherundolo and Majki Varas are among the names mentioned as possible successors to Pochettino.
The deliberations come as Pochettino — widely reported to be a target for Manchester United — continues to occupy the U.S. post. U.S. Soccer faces a high‑profile choice: keep the Argentine coach or risk a high‑stakes replacement that could reshape the national programme ahead of upcoming competitions.
Photo: Manchester Siti H
