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Has anyone considered how the USA feel in all of this? They’re about to lose one of the most high-profile managers in the history of their men’s soccer team.
Manchester United are hurtling towards the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino at long last. He’s been on their radar for ages and now looks set to get the job.
But United’s gain will be the USMNT’s loss. Pochettino was a big appointment in 2024 in terms of global pedigree after the sacking of Gregg Berhalter and now US Soccer chiefs will have to find a suitable successor.
And according to reports, they’re dreaming big again. Even bigger this time, in fact. They’ve been talking about Pep Guardiola and, according to The Athletic, are likely to place him near the top of their wish list – probably after realising he’s pretty damn good.
It’d be ambitious. Guardiola walked away from management in the summer when he brought an end to his decade in charge of Manchester City. After all he achieved there, and at Barcelona and Bayern Munich before, he’s a GOAT contender when it comes to managers.
He’s earned a break from the touchline, but we wonder if the lower intensity of an international job might just reel him back in.
In the unlikely event the USA were to succeed in appointing him, here’s how we reckon he could set them up.
Guardiola has actually worked with an American goalkeeper before with Man City, but Zack Steffen has only played once for his country in the past four years.
Matt Freese is currently number one for the USA, but the New York City keeper isn’t the most convincing with the ball at his feet.
That’s usually a problem for Guardiola, who wasn’t afraid to bin off a long-serving starter in Joe Hart at the Etihad when he took charge over similar concerns.
He later regretted his treatment of Hart, so might not be so hasty in future, but there are other options waiting to take over in the American setup.
Kochen, currently on loan at Lyngby from Barcelona, is someone who might intrigue him. The 20-year-old has a better ball-playing reputation and will be looking to establish himself as the long-term number one for his country.
No need for a change at right-back. Dest is a pretty easy pick, nearly 50 caps into his international career.
At 26, the PSV and former Barcelona man should be sticking around for the long run.
Richards is someone Guardiola will be familiar with after coming up against him in the Premier League after the defender’s move to Crystal Palace in 2022.
Offering strength and an ability to bring the ball out from the back, he would be a good fit. And he’s already become one of the leaders in the national team anyway.
An even better ball player, McKenzie has a pass success rate of more than 90% in Ligue 1 with Toulouse this season.
At 27, he’s in the prime of his career and continues to thrive in one of Europe’s top leagues.
There were some reports in the tabloids around the start of the decade that Guardiola wanted to sign Fulham’s Robinson for City.
Whether it was true or not, who knows, but there’s no doubting the 29-year-old would still be a dependable option at left-back.
Guardiola would know all about what Robinson can offer from his time in the Premier League.
The current USA captain. Playing at a high level in the Premier League. He’s no Rodri or Xavi, but keeping Adams as a key figure makes sense.
Weston McKennie might be the bigger name, but Musah might be the better fit for a Guardiola team.
He’s improved for AC Milan this season and is well renowned for his press resistance, which is a crucial asset.
His versatility would also appeal to Guardiola, who likes players with the intelligence to cover multiple territories.
Weah largely plays at right-back at club level these days for Marseille, but still plays in the attack for the USA.
Like Musah, his ability to play in various roles would be a big tick for Guardiola. It’s on the right wing he’d probably be best stationed, at least until future Man City prospect Cavan Sullivan is ready for a bigger role.
In the number 10 role, Tillman could be the go-to man. He’s got good control and press resistance, making him a good fit.
Currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, he has good pedigree after spells with PSV, Rangers and Bayern Munich.
The first place to look for star quality in the USA squad. He was only so-so in the Premier League with Chelsea, but you can’t argue with Pulisic’s record for his country.
He’s been in good form for AC Milan and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon in terms of the international picture.
No Erling Haaland to help Guardiola here. Not even a Sergio Aguero. But there are some decent American strikers he’d be able to pick from.
It’d likely be a battle between Pepi and Folarin Balogun for starting duties up front. Pepi might have the edge thanks to being slightly better at link-up play.
The PSV striker also knows how to thrive in tight spaces in the box and at 23 years old has plenty more goals in his destiny.
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