American star Christian Pulisic has given his full approval to the possible hiring of Mauricio Pochettino as the new USMNT coach, adding that the time is right for a change.
ESPN reported last week that Pochettino, the former manager of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham, has agreed to replace Gregg Berhalter, who was fired following the U.S. national team's group stage elimination at this summer's Copa America.
“I think it's good news,” 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 another step and really improve as a team, and looking ahead to this World Cup we need to find some good results and build some momentum until then.”
A source told ESPN that Pochettino's situation with his former club Chelsea still needs to be resolved before the U.S. Soccer Federation can confirm his appointment. The Argentine manager owes a debt to the Premier League club following his departure at the end of last season.
However, ESPN reported that former U.S. Under-20 coach Mikey Varas will be in charge through the upcoming September international window even if Pochettino is appointed before then.
The United States will host Canada in Kansas City on Sept. 7 and New Zealand in Cincinnati three days later in a pair of friendlies, but Pochettino will have time to familiarize himself with the U.S. Soccer Federation and the broader landscape of American soccer.
Pochettino's possible arrival was also backed by American defender Sergiño Dest earlier this week.
“Yes it is [exciting]”He's obviously been a trainer of some great puppies and he's a very well-known trainer. It will be a good experience to train with him.”
“We'll see and hopefully it will help us all… to get a great result at the 2026 World Cup, you know? Because we are the home country.”
The United States will co-host the next World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
