Candidates For USA Manager If Mauricio Pochettino Leaves

There is a real chance that Mauricio Pochettino could leave and the US men's team would have to explore finding a replacement. If he is to leave, there are plenty of options, including exciting ones, but nonetheless someone has to take the mantle. This article will look at some options that the US Federation should consider for the job and there could be more that come to light when making this decision if it does come to that point.

Thomas Frank

Frank was once considered one of the most exciting coaches in England, especially during his time at Brentford as he showed a lot of results while being hampered by financial reasons. His move to Tottenham was disastrous, but it wasn't his fault as he was given a squad that really didn't fit his system and he was the scapegoat when they fired him. That being said, a fresh start and a national team job might actually be perfect for Frank as he gets a deep pool of players to work with that fits his system and can properly evaluate the best tactics in order to succeed. He has international coaching experience, so that helps his case as well and might seriously be considered as a candidate.

Pellegrino Matarazzo

This is an intriguing option here as he is actually American, but it almost feels like an outside hire as Matarazzo is managing at a high level in Europe. Matarazzo has been successful in Germany especially in the Bundesliga and is now taken the reigns at Real Sociedad in La Liga. While the opportunity looks great, Matarazzo seems hesitant to even take the job as he wants to build upon what he is doing at Real Sociedad. But Matarazzo does offer a high press and quick counterattacks in his tactics which might actually suit this current squad well. However, it will be a wait and see if he actually bites.

BJ Callaghan

If the federation picks an MLS level coach, then it better be Callaghan as he actually shows some semblance of a competent manager coming from the American ranks. Yes, Matarazzo is technically American too, but he very much is coming through the European ranks. Callaghan has already managed this team on a interim basis and the results looked promising. Plus he has some familiarity too which helps.

Gareth Southgate

Honestly, this might be the worst choice here as Southgate has ironically been compared to Gregg Berhalter. Southgate is a very frustrating coach as he seemingly never adjusts and then makes questionable decisions. That being said, it might be worth a shot too because his tactics might be worth trying on a team like the USA as it could work out well. However, this might be an option to stay away from.

Julian Nagelsmann

The former German national coach also seems like a savvy pick to be manager of the US. Nagelsmann is young, but he also has shown success which could bolster good chemistry with the players on this team. Nagelsmann is also great in terms of defensive structure, something these players could benefit from. It might be worth giving him an opportunity.

Pep Guardiola

Some might call it a pipedream, but honestly, this actually is a pretty realistic possibility. Guardiola is the best manager in the world and possibly ever. After his successful tenures at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, taking on international football is not a bad challenge to take on. A coach of his profile could take this program very far. Guardiola has expressed his love for the country and the American mentality when it comes to sports plus has shown desire to coach internationally. This seems like the perfect fit and if Pochettino does leave, it should be very much in the federation's interest to name Guardiola as the manager and make that a high priority. Throw so much money him that he can't refuse. Just sounds so perfect.

Honestly, there are a lot of options here and it seems obvious here that Guardiola should be the guy, but if it's not, another name that could considered if they step away from their current job is Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni has does a great job with Argentina and Argentinian managers have seemingly had a lot of success lately, so it would be worth exploring. That being said, these options could be what helps take this program to the next step and makes them a more dangerous side.