What Happened to Mauricio Roberto Pochettino Trossero?
Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine professional football manager and former player, currently serving as the head coach of the United States men's national team. Known for his high-pressing, attacking style and developing young talent, he has managed several top European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, leading Spurs to a Champions League final and winning a Ligue 1 title with PSG. As of June 2026, he is preparing the USMNT for the FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Quick Answer
Mauricio Pochettino is currently the head coach of the United States men's national team, a role he took on in September 2024. He is actively preparing the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting. Prior to this, he managed Chelsea for the 2023-24 season, leaving by mutual consent in May 2024, and had successful spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Begins Professional Playing Career
Mauricio Pochettino starts his professional playing career as a centre-back for Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.
Joins Espanyol (Player)
Pochettino transfers to newly promoted La Liga club Espanyol, where he would spend the majority of his playing career across two spells.
Wins Copa del Rey with Espanyol (Player)
As a player, Pochettino helps Espanyol win the Copa del Rey, their first major trophy in 60 years.
Appointed Espanyol Manager
Pochettino begins his managerial career at Espanyol, taking over a team third from the bottom of La Liga and successfully guiding them to safety.
Leaves Espanyol
Pochettino and sporting director Ramon Planes leave Espanyol by mutual consent, with the club at the bottom of the Primera Division table.
Appointed Southampton Manager
Pochettino is announced as the new first-team manager of Premier League club Southampton, replacing Nigel Adkins.
Appointed Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach
Pochettino is appointed head coach of Tottenham Hotspur on a five-year contract, beginning a transformative period for the club.
Leads Tottenham to Champions League Final
Pochettino guides Tottenham Hotspur to their first-ever UEFA Champions League final, where they lose 2-0 to Liverpool.
Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur
After a poor start to the 2019-20 season, Pochettino is dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur.
Appointed Paris Saint-Germain Head Coach
Pochettino returns to his former club Paris Saint-Germain as head coach.
Wins Ligue 1 Title with PSG
Pochettino secures his first league title as a manager, winning Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain.
Leaves Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain announces they have parted ways with Pochettino.
Appointed Chelsea Manager
Pochettino is appointed manager of Chelsea on a two-year deal.
Leaves Chelsea by Mutual Consent
Pochettino leaves Chelsea by mutual consent after one season, despite guiding the club to a sixth-place finish and European qualification.
Appointed USMNT Head Coach
Mauricio Pochettino is announced as the new head coach of the United States men's national team, with a contract through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CONCACAF Gold Cup Runner-up with USMNT
Pochettino leads the United States men's national team to a runner-up finish in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Prepares for 2026 World Cup Opener
As of today, Pochettino is preparing the USMNT for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay, emphasizing a competitive mindset. His contract is set to expire in July 2026, with links to AC Milan.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mauricio Pochettino's journey in football began as a formidable centre-back, playing for clubs like Newell's Old Boys, Espanyol (where he won two Copa del Rey titles), Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux. He also represented the Argentina national team, including at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
His managerial career commenced at Espanyol in January 2009, where he successfully steered the club away from relegation and established a reputation for promoting youth and implementing an intense, high-pressing style of play. After leaving Espanyol in November 2012 due to poor results and financial disputes, he moved to the Premier League, taking charge of Southampton in January 2013. His 16-month tenure at Southampton was transformative, leading them to an eighth-place finish and earning widespread acclaim for their entertaining football.
In May 2014, Pochettino was appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur, a role that would define much of his club management career. Over five years, he transformed Spurs into consistent top-four contenders and led them to their first UEFA Champions League final in 2019, though they ultimately lost to Liverpool. Despite this success, a string of poor results led to his dismissal in November 2019.
After a brief hiatus, Pochettino returned to his former club Paris Saint-Germain as head coach in January 2021. He secured his first major trophy as a manager, winning the Coupe de France in 2021, followed by the Ligue 1 title in the 2021-22 season. However, failure to make significant progress in the Champions League led to his departure in July 2022.
Pochettino made a much-anticipated return to the Premier League in July 2023, taking the helm at Chelsea. His single season at Stamford Bridge was marked by inconsistency, although the team finished strongly to secure a sixth-place league finish and European qualification. Despite the late surge, he and the club mutually agreed to part ways in May 2024, reportedly due to differences in the club's structural vision.
His most recent and current role began on September 10, 2024, when he was appointed head coach of the United States men's national team. Tasked with preparing the USMNT for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting, Pochettino is currently leading the team into the tournament. As of June 12, 2026, he is preparing the squad for their opening match against Paraguay, emphasizing the need for a competitive mindset. His contract with the USMNT is set to expire in July 2026, and there are reports linking him with a return to European club football, with AC Milan showing interest.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mauricio Roberto Pochettino Trossero made different choices?