Maurcio Pochettino given new reason to ditch USA job and return to Tottenham
Former US soccer star Clint Dempsey has delivered a scathing assessment of the national team’s progress under Mauricio Pochettino, claiming the side has failed to evolve since the Argentine took charge last summer.
Despite an encouraging start that saw five wins in his first six matches, recent performances have sparked concern, with the US suffering back-to-back defeats in the Concacaf Nations League—first to Panama in the semifinals, then to Canada in the third-place playoff.
Speaking during commentary, Dempsey didn’t hold back, stating, “The frustrating thing for me is that we haven’t progressed as a team since 2022. It looked like we were building momentum, but we’ve stalled. With the 2026 World Cup coming up, this isn’t a good sign for the US.”
His comments reflect growing unease among fans and analysts, who expected Pochettino—a manager with Premier League pedigree—to elevate the team’s tactical and technical level.
Pochettino, however, remains optimistic, insisting there’s still time to correct course before next year’s World Cup. After the 2-1 loss to Canada, he attempted to downplay the panic, saying,
“It’s better to lose now because we have time to fix things. If we were in this situation a year from now, then yes—we’d have a serious problem. But right now, we’ll learn from this.” He acknowledged the disappointment but urged fans not to lose faith, emphasizing his belief in the squad’s potential.
Despite the struggles, Pochettino’s long-term vision appears to extend beyond his USMNT tenure. His contract runs through the 2026 World Cup, but he has already hinted at a possible return to club management—specifically, a reunion with Tottenham Hotspur.
In a recent interview, he reiterated his emotional connection to Spurs, saying, “In my heart, I still feel the same. One day, I’d love to go back—not for ego, but because I want to win with Tottenham. The club now has everything in place—the stadium, the training ground—to compete for trophies. If it happens, great. If not, it’s fine. But Tottenham will always be special to me.”
Pochettino’s comments suggest he views the USMNT job as a stepping stone rather than a long-term project, which may further unsettle American supporters already questioning his commitment.
With the World Cup on home soil less than two years away, pressure is mounting for him to prove he can turn things around—or risk leaving his reputation damaged.
For now, the focus remains on whether Pochettino can translate his club success to the international stage. If Dempsey’s concerns prove valid, US Soccer may face tough decisions sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Tottenham fans will be watching closely, wondering if their former manager’s dream return could one day become reality.