Mauricio Pochettino Reflects on Premier League Affection and USMNT Ambitions

Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, has candidly expressed his longing for the Premier League and his aspirations to return to England’s top division in the future.

Appointed as head coach in September 2024, just four months after his departure from Chelsea, Pochettino is currently focused on leading the USMNT into the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In an interview with the BBC, he stated, “The Premier League is the best league in the world. Of course, I am missing it. I am very happy in America, but I also envision returning to the Premier League one day. It remains the most competitive league.”

Pochettino gained recognition during a successful tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, where he guided the team to the Champions League final and contended for two Premier League titles. Reflecting on his time at Spurs, he remarked, “I believe we were extremely close in achieving success at Tottenham; we nearly grasped it [winning a major trophy]. That is something I aspire to achieve.”

His relationship with Daniel Levy, Tottenham’s former executive chairman, was pivotal, despite Levy’s unexpected resignation on September 4, ending his 24-year tenure at the club. Pochettino expressed surprise at Levy’s departure, acknowledging his remarkable legacy: “He has made an incredible impact on the club. My relationship with him was always positive, both during my time at Tottenham and afterward. He played a crucial role in giving me the opportunity to manage a club like Tottenham, which I consider to be one of the best in the world with an extraordinary fanbase.”

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Pochettino highlighted the impact of fellow Argentine Lionel Messi, who joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023. Messi’s presence has not only elevated attendance at MLS matches but has also inspired a new generation of American youth to engage with soccer. Pochettino commented, “Players like Messi are influencing children; now they aspire to play soccer, in addition to basketball, American football, or baseball.”

As he leads the national team through the upcoming World Cup on home soil, Pochettino is dedicated to advancing the sport in the United States. “The motivation is immense,” he stated. “Sometimes, it seems that people lack understanding. Some coaches claim you need to know the culture of the American player. I counter this by saying what truly matters is understanding the culture of football itself. We must convey football’s culture to American players.”

He concluded, “After one year, we are making significant strides. We are establishing a shared understanding that the language of football transcends nationality—whether American, Brazilian, or English. Our football philosophy is centered on competition, and we must embrace the mindset necessary for success.”