U.S. Soccer is reportedly stepping in to work with Chelsea to speed up Pochettino's arrival as U.S. men's national team head coach
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USSF reportedly working with ChelseaPochettino still owed money by BluesUSMNT to play New Zealand, Canada in September(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The USMNT is reportedly set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach, although that process has been slowed down by the Argentine's contractual complications with Chelsea. Pochettino had a two-year contract with the Blues and is still owed money in relation to his exit earlier this year.
Reports have indicated that U.S. Soccer could help speed up that process by paying Pochettino's contract and just allowing Chelsea to make up the difference in what he's owed from his time at Stamford Bridge. To that end, according to FOX Sports, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson and the federation's legal team have stepped in to work with Chelsea and Pochettino to speed up the process and finalize the hiring.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
U.S. Soccer has a real interest in resolving Pochettino's hiring quickly, with September friendlies right around the corner. According to FOX, U.S. Soccer would like to introduce Pochettino to national media in New York as early as this week.
U.S. Soccer's board of directors is set to meet on Friday in Atlanta and, if a contract has been agreed to by then, the board can officially ratify the terms of the deal.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
If Pochettino is not on the sidelines, former U.S. U20 coach Mikey Varas would serve as interim head coach for the two September friendlies. Multiple reports say that Varas could be in charge even if Pochettino is in place by then, but FOX also reported that Pochettino could be on the sidelines for the friendlies if the contract is finalized in time.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?
The U.S. will face Canada on Sept. 7 in Kansas City before then facing New Zealand in Cincinnati on Sept. 10.
