Christian Pulisic weighs in on Mauricio Pochettino to USMNT rumors

Christian Pulisic has welcomed growing speculation that Mauricio Pochettino will join the US men’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Last week it was reported that Pochettino and the United States Soccer Federation were in talks over a deal that would see the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham coach become manager of the men’s national team.

Gregg Berhalter was fired as national team coach after the US was eliminated from the Copa America in the group stage this summer.

“I think it’s good news,” the 25-year-old Pulisic told CBS before scoring in AC Milan’s 2-1 loss to Parma on Saturday.

“I think it’s time for a change. It’s time for us to take the next step and really improve as a team. In the run-up to the World Cup, we need to get some good results and build momentum.”

Christian Pulisic has backed the US men’s national team in their pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino

According to ESPNPochettino’s contractual situation at his former club Chelsea still needs to be resolved before his appointment can be confirmed by the US Soccer Federation.

The Premier League club owe the Argentine coach an undisclosed sum following his departure at the end of last season.

Former U.S. Under-20 coach Mikey Varas will oversee the upcoming friendlies in September regardless of whether Pochettino is appointed before then, according to ESPN.

The U.S. first hosts Canada on Sept. 7 in Kansas City, with New Zealand three days later in Cincinnati. In the meantime, Pochettino is getting to know the U.S. Soccer Federation and its structure, including players trained at home and those playing abroad.

Former U-20 U.S. coach Mikey Varas will be in charge of the USMNT during the September matches

Earlier this week, Pochettino’s potential arrival was encouraged by US and PSV defender Sergino Dest.

‘Yes, that’s it [exciting]’, Dest said ESPN while he was a guest at the Formula 1 Grand Prix of the Netherlands this weekend. ‘Of course he has been a coach for big clubs and he is a well-known coach. That will be a great experience to train under him.

“We’ll see and hopefully it can help us all… to get a really great result at the World Cup, you know? Because we’re the home country.”

Pulisic’s teammate at AC Milan and the US, midfielder Yunus Musah, has also backed the potential signing.