Pep Guardiola has emerged as the top candidate for the United States men’s national team coaching job if Mauricio Pochettino departs for Manchester United, according to The Athletic.
Pochettino has been heavily linked with the Premier League club as a potential successor to Michael Carrick. Reports indicate the Argentine manager has already reached an agreement with Manchester United.
That prospective move triggered internal discussions within the United States Soccer Federation. Officials across multiple layers of the organization have discussed Guardiola as a primary option should the current national team position open up.
Pep Guardiola’s USMNT dream job could come with problem he never faced at Manchester City as Mauricio Pochettino nears Manchester United move https://t.co/Nm1Yya51Jf
Uncertainty surrounding Pochettino intensified when the manager canceled a scheduled media appearance. Manchester United is currently struggling under Carrick, standing below the relegation line.
Any potential buyout clause in Pochettino’s contract with the United States federation is not expected to pose an obstacle for the English club.
Guardiola stepped down from his role at Manchester City last summer after an era of dominant domestic and European success. He handed over managerial duties to Enzo Maresca, who previously served as one of his assistant coaches.
Convincing the Spanish manager to take charge of a national team will be difficult. Sources indicate Guardiola has shown no immediate intention of returning to the touchline during his current sabbatical.
He remains a primary target for major European clubs whenever a managerial vacancy arises. Earlier this year, Guardiola was linked with both the Netherlands and Italy national teams, though neither inquiry resulted in a formal appointment.
Despite his reluctance to jump straight back into coaching, the prospect of managing in North America reportedly intrigues him. Guardiola previously lived in New York during a 2012 sabbatical and held multiple discussions with American soccer officials in the past.
U. S. Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola a top target to become the next USMNT head coach if Mauricio Pochettino leaves for Manchester United, per @TheAthletic, @PaulTenorio, @HenryBushnell and @tombogert pic.twitter.com/PzjNZkRfhl
Pep Guardiola 'set to be made United States' top target' to replace Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT boss closes in on Man United job https://t.co/ZLsNYcs8sP
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