Pochettino in secret talks with AC Milan over USA job exit

Mauricio Pochettino secretly met AC Milan officials in London last Thursday to discuss replacing Stefano Pioli, according to three people with direct knowledge of the talks. The Argentine coach, under contract with the US Soccer Federation through the 2026 World Cup, has grown frustrated with the federation’s operational delays and lack of long-term project clarity.

The revelation comes as the US Soccer Federation faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promised rebuild ahead of hosting the 2026 tournament. Insiders say Pochettino’s relationship with US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker has deteriorated over the past six months, with disputes over player selection and training camp schedules escalating in recent weeks.

AC Milan, currently seventh in Serie A with 42 points from 28 games, has struggled to maintain consistency under Pioli’s three-year tenure. The club’s ownership group, led by Elliott Management, has grown impatient with the team’s inability to challenge Juventus and Inter Milan for the Scudetto. A source close to Milan’s hierarchy said the club is prepared to offer a three-year deal worth €4 million annually if a deal is reached.

Pochettino’s potential departure would leave the USMNT in a precarious position with just 14 months until the World Cup. The 52-year-old has overseen 23 games since taking charge in May 2023, winning 14 and losing only twice, but tensions have simmered behind the scenes. A US Soccer spokesperson declined to comment on the reports, stating only that the federation remains "fully committed to our current coaching staff and the 2026 project."

Milan’s interest in Pochettino is part of a broader search for a high-profile tactician who can blend defensive solidity with attacking flair. The club’s sporting director, Atalanta’s Gabriele Pin, has been tasked with identifying candidates who can deliver immediate results while building for the future. Pochettino’s preference for a structured, possession-based system aligns with Milan’s recent identity under Pioli, though his man-management style has drawn mixed reviews in the US.

The timing of the talks raises questions about Pochettino’s future commitment to the USMNT. With the World Cup in North America, the federation has invested heavily in infrastructure and player development, but internal discord risks undermining those efforts. A Milan source said Pochettino’s potential arrival would be announced before the end of April if discussions progress, though no final decisions have been made.

The saga underscores the high stakes for both parties. For Milan, landing a manager of Pochettino’s profile could signal a new era of ambition. For the USMNT, losing its coach now would be a severe setback just as the tournament’s host nation enters its most critical phase of preparation.