News Focus
- Mauricio Pochettino confirms his agents have spoken with AC Milan about the vacant manager’s position
- The Argentine’s current deal with the United States expires after the 2026 World Cup finals
- AC Milan dismissed Massimiliano Allegri following failure to qualify for the Champions League
- The former Chelsea boss remains open to extending his stay with the US national team
- The World Cup finals begin on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that his representatives have initiated contact with AC Milan regarding the Italian club’s vacant managerial position. The 54-year-old Argentine currently manages the United States national team, though his contract is set to conclude following this summer’s World Cup finals.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea coach addressed the media on Thursday regarding speculation linking him to the Serie A giants. When questioned directly about whether he had personally met with AC Milan officials, Pochettino responded with a firm denial. However, he acknowledged that his agents may have engaged with the seven-time European champions.
“Perhaps, it is possible,” he stated when asked if his representatives had held discussions. “They must perform their duties.”
Pochettino defended such enquiries as standard practice within the industry. He explained that maintaining connections across football circles forms part of normal operations, particularly when exploring future career paths. His agents, he noted, actively seek optimal opportunities on his behalf.
The experienced tactician emphasised that his primary concentration remains fixed upon the upcoming World Cup tournament, which kicks off on 11 June across North America. The United States will co-host the competition alongside Canada and Mexico.
Despite the AC Milan interest, Pochettino has not ruled out extending his tenure with the US Soccer Federation. He disclosed that chief executive JT Batson recently approached him regarding a potential new four-year project. The pair engaged in frank discussions about the federation’s long-term vision.
“We expressed our willingness to listen,” Pochettino confirmed. “Should we have possessed a prior commitment elsewhere, we would not devote time to such conversations.”
Batson praised Pochettino’s transparency throughout the process. The executive revealed that numerous clubs had previously attempted to secure the manager’s services, yet Pochettino elected to honour his United States agreement. Batson highlighted the coach’s genuine belief in American soccer’s development trajectory.
AC Milan dismissed Massimiliano Allegri earlier this week following a disappointing campaign. The Rossoneri slipped from third to fifth position in Serie A after suffering a final-day defeat to Cagliari, consequently missing Champions League qualification for consecutive seasons. Club officials labelled the outcome an “unequivocal failure,” though European football remains secured via the Europa League.
Pochettino’s most recent club position came at Chelsea during the 2023-24 season, where he guided the Blues to sixth place in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup final. His managerial resume also includes a Ligue 1 triumph with Paris Saint-Germain and a Champions League final appearance with Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.