'You want to do him justice' – Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona other stars provide perspective on expected USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino
Getty/GOALThe manager appears poised to assume control of the USMNT, but what have some notable figures in the game expressed about their experience working with him?
A manager's legacy isn't just measured in trophies; it's measured in impact. Yes, trophies are the currency of the sport, the prizes that drive a chaotic series of carousels that managers spend their lives riding. There's something to be said, though, about going into a place and simply making it better, which is a coaching characteristic for which Mauricio Pochettino became known earlier in his career.
In his career, Pochettino has collaborated with numerous renowned figures, a list that reads like a who’s who of football legends. To illustrate, he shared the field with Diego Maradona as a player and coached Lionel Messi as a manager. Numerous other stars, each a legend in their own respect, have also been part of his journey, filling the gap between Maradona and Messi.
Many of those stars attribute their success to Pochettino’s guidance, stating that he played a significant part in shaping their careers. His tactical approach, known for its aggressive style, is one of the factors. However, the majority of his success is attributed to his excellent man-management skills, as many top players commend Pochettino’s ability to manage a locker room effectively.
However, Pochettino’s journey hasn’t been entirely rosy. He has encountered challenges in his career, a major one being his experience in Paris. The stint at PSG served as a humbling lesson for him, demonstrating the complexities of leading a club that is already at the pinnacle, instead of striving to reach it.
So with the USMNT reportedly set to hire Pochettino, what do the stars have to say about the man himself? What's it like working under him as a coach? GOAL takes a look.
