Mauricio Pochettino, the United States manager, has denied having discussions with Tottenham Hotspur or Real Madrid, stating that his focus is on the upcoming friendly against Portugal and the World Cup. Pochettino's name has been linked to both clubs, particularly after Tottenham manager Igor Tudor left the club on Sunday. However, Pochettino was clear that he has not had any contact with either team, saying "No. At the moment, no."
Pochettino also addressed the possibility of remaining as the USMNT manager beyond the World Cup, saying "Never say never. In football, everything can happen." He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, stating that the team is committed to improving and preparing for the World Cup. In terms of personnel, midfielder Johnny Cardoso will not play against Portugal due to a leg injury and has been sent back to his club side Atlético Madrid.
Defender Chris Richards, who missed the 5-2 defeat to Belgium with knee soreness, has been cleared to play against Portugal. Richards said he was available for the match, despite still being evaluated by the team's medical staff. He attributed his knee pain to a bad tackle in his last game with Crystal Palace, but has been training individually all week.
The USMNT is looking to bounce back from their heavy loss to Belgium, and Richards believes that the team's defense is not far away from delivering the necessary level of performance. He pointed to the team's strong first half against Belgium as evidence of what can be achieved.
When Pochettino says "Never say never" about remaining as the USMNT manager beyond the World Cup, that means he is leaving the door open for future opportunities. This implication is significant because it suggests that Pochettino is not fully committed to the USMNT long-term, and may be using the World Cup as a platform to showcase his coaching abilities to potential suitors. Pochettino's focus on the present and the World Cup is crucial, but his comments also raise questions about his future plans. The USMNT's performance in the World Cup will be closely watched, not just for the team's results, but also for Pochettino's potential next move.
