USMNT players praise Pochettino’s impact amid Manchester United negotiations

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — U.S. men’s national team players Folarin Balogun and Sebastian Berhalter praised coach Mauricio Pochettino’s influence as negotiations continue between Manchester United and U.S. Soccer over his potential move to the English club. Manchester United announced the departure of manager Michael Carrick early this morning. Negotiations are ongoing over Pochettino’s reported $10 million release clause. Balogun and Berhalter told reporters that Pochettino had not yet addressed the team about the situation. However, there was a team meeting directly after the press conference, and Pochettino was present at practice. Players reflect on Pochettino’s foundation Asked how confident they were in the team’s direction regardless of who is in charge, Balogun said Pochettino has raised expectations for the players. “The benefit and the blessing when you have a great coach is you know the standard. I think Poch has definitely raised the standard since he’s been in charge,” Balogun said. “He’s laid the foundation and I think us as players have that ownership to not just do that because Poch was in charge.” Berhalter also praised the Argentine coach’s impact on the team. “Even though he’s an Argentinian coach, he made us even more proud to be American and speaks volumes of who he is as a person and as a coach,” Berhalter said. What’s next According to ESPN, the plan is for Pochettino to remain with the team for its upcoming matches against Haiti. The Athletic reports that U.S. Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola a top target to replace Pochettino if a move to Manchester United becomes official. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.