Mauricio Pochettino has called for calm following his first defeat as the United States boss, insisting he needs more time to get the best out of his players. 

Pochettino watched on as the Stars and Stripes fell to a 2-0 loss to Mexico at the Estadio AKRON, with Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta on target for the hosts. 

The United States struggled for large parts of the contest, managing just one shot on target from the five they attempted, ending with an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.27. 

An even bigger cause for concern was that the USMNT's xG came from Brandon Vazquez (0.12), Kristoffer Lund (0.11) and Haji Wright (0.04), all of whom started on the bench.

"We all feel disappointed because I think we didn't have all the players that we wanted to have when we started," Pochettino told reporters.

"We lost some players for different reasons, and we arrived a little bit short here.

"I say thank you to the players (who were here) because they were amazing, professional and the behaviour was amazing. 

"We wanted to win. I think we need to be positive about this type of game.

"We need to play more games like this to improve the knowledge that we have.

"Give us time, let us evaluate all the players, have them, know them, and from there I will give you a better opinion about what is much more fundamental than what I see."

Pochettino understands the task at hand, with his side's win in his first game in charge against Panama the only triumph in their last six games. 

The Argentine has been tasked with leading the U.S. at the 2026 World Cup on home soil, and the latest defeat will leave him plenty to ponder ahead of the November international break. 

Mauricio Pochettino suffered his first defeat in charge of the United States, losing 2-0 away to Mexico in a friendly on Tuesday.

For Mexico, it was their third match without defeat or even conceding a goal as they celebrated the international swansong of veteran midfielder Andres Guardado in style.

Mexico opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, when Raul Jimenez whipped a powerful free-kick past Matt Turner from distance.

The in-form Fulham man hit his shot with the perfect amount of power and height to lift it up and over the wall and find the top corner.

Jimenez continued to threaten in the first half, with long-range shots and audacious flicks, but there was little else to get excited about in the opening period.

The home side doubled their lead early in the second half after star man Jimenez won the ball back in the box and slipped in team-mate Cesar Huerta for a close-range finish. That was a lead they comfortably saw out for their first victory over the USA since 2019.

Data debrief: Pochettino with plenty of work to do

The chief worry for Pochettino will be how his side were bossed out of what was a low-margin game in terms of expected goals (xG), with the USA generating 0.27 compared to Mexico's 0.95.

The United States managed just one shot on target, with Brandon Vazquez's effort coming in the 79th minute when the result seemed academic.

There is a big job here for Pochettino given his side's 2-0 victory against Panama in his opening match remains their only win in six, while they have lost four of those contests.

Mauricio Pochettino is eager to build a bond between his United States team and their supporters after he made a winning start to his tenure as head coach.

Pochettino's USA ran out 2-0 winners over Panama in Austin on Saturday.

Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi got the goals as the USA claimed a morale-boosting victory in front of a 20,000-strong crowd at Q2 Stadium.

And Pochettino stressed the importance of a strong connection between fans and team as he looks to build toward the 2026 World Cup.

"It was a massive shock for me to see my face behind the goal, like you say and a different picture," said the Argentine, referring to a banner held up by some fans.

"I think I am so happy; very good connection with the fans.

"That's really important to relate this connection, the team with the fans, that is a thing that is really important. Players need to feel the support."

Pochettino's side had fewer shots than Panama (11 to 13) but mustered more expected goals total (1.7xG to 0.89xG), having created the bigger chances.

"I think it's the basis for the first step, to start to grow and be better," said Pochettino, whose side face Mexico next.

"Now we are going to have a few days to recover and see and to analyse and assess all the players and to take the best decision for the team and for the players playing Tuesday, another tough game.

"I think it was a very professional performance and I think we are happy because I think all the goals that we said before the game, I think that we got and I think it's an important victory. And to start that period with the victory always is very helpful.

"[I am] so happy. Happy because I see the staff and the players made a fantastic show."

Mauricio Pochettino's stint as United States boss got off to a winning start as the Stars and Stripes overcame Panama 2-0.

Saturday's friendly in Austin represented a reunion with Panama for USA, who had lost to the central American team in this year's Copa America.

That defeat ultimately proved crucial in paving the way for a group-stage exit, which led to Gregg Berhalter's dismissal and, eventually, Pochettino's arrival.

Pochettino had to wait until the 49th minute in Austin to see his team score their first goal, with Yunus Musah tucking in his first USA goal from Christian Pulisic's delivery.

Matt Turner pulled off some impressive stops to keep USA ahead, while Puma Rodriguez and Jose Fajardo both saw good chances pass them by.

Deep in second-half stoppage time, USA substitute Pepi settled the contest, sweeping home after a fine pass from Haji Wright.

Data Debrief: Pochettino gets the ball rolling

Pochettino is renowned for front-foot, attacking football, and there was plenty of evidence of the shackles coming off in the first half, with seven different USA players involved in at least one shot, either by having an attempt themselves or creating a chance.

USA finished with 1.7 expected goals (xG) from their 11 shots, and even though Panama had more attempts (13), the visitors only mustered 0.89 xG, showing Pochettino's side limited their opponents in terms of clear-cut opportunities.

Goalscorer Musah became the second player in USA history to play over 3,000 minutes before turning 22, while Pepi once again proved decisive from the bench. He has scored six goals as a substitute in his international career, equalling Pulisic for second-most in team history, behind Eddie Johnson (seven).

Mexico are next up for USA, so Pochettino needs to be ready for an altogether different test.

Mauricio Pochettino has named his first squad as head coach of the United States, with Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie recalled to face Panama and Mexico.

The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss, who was unveiled as Gregg Berhalter's successor last month, is gearing up for his first matches in charge of the Stars and Stripes.

Christian Pulisic retains the captain's armband with the AC Milan forward looking to build on his impressive start to the season, in which he has scored five goals and delivered two assists.

Meanwhile, the Juventus duo of Weah and McKennie are back in the fold after missing the September window, as are defenders Antonee and Miles Robinson.

Zack Steffen and Gianluca Busio also return to the squad, with the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper in line to earn his first international cap since March 2022.

The United States will face Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12, before travelling to Estadio Akron to take on Mexico three days later.

Full squad: Ethan Horvath, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner; Marlon Fossey, Kristoffer Lund, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty; Brenden Aaronson, Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Malik Tillman; Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Timothy Weah, Haji Wright.

New United States boss Mauricio Pochettino has outlined his ambition to win the World Cup with the co-hosts in two years' time and is excited by the opportunity.

Pochettino was named the manager of the USA on Tuesday in his first role since parting company with Chelsea in May.

The Argentine, who previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell in charge of Tottenham, leading them to a Champions League final, oversaw a sixth-placed Premier League finish in his only season at Stamford Bridge.

And with the USA acting as hosts alongside Canada and Mexico for football's most prestigious tournament in 2026, Pochettino believes his players should harbour ambitions of winning the entire event.

"We need to believe in big things that we can win, not only a game but the World Cup," Pochettino said.

"If we don’t, the journey will be difficult. We have to think big. That is the only way to put your talent in the service of the team. It is a massive challenge."

The USA women's team won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and claimed Olympic gold this summer in Emma Hayes' first tournament as manager.

Pochettino, who knows Hayes from the period in which they both managed Chelsea's senior teams, reserved special praise for her, while also wanting his players to be inspired by how successful the women's team had become in recent times.

"In Emma, we have the best coach in the world," said Pochettino.

"The women's team has won everything. We need to match them. They need to be our inspiration, not only with results but in the way they create the philosophy to defend the country, the badge and the culture.

"We want to create something special."

Pochettino's first game in charge will be a friendly versus Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12.

Jesse Marsch is optimistic Mauricio Pochettino will make a "positive impact" following his appointment as the United States' new head coach.

Pochettino was announced on Tuesday as the Stars and Stripes' successor to Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed following a disappointing group-stage exit at this year's Copa America.

The Argentine has agreed to lead the USA into the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with neighbours Canada and Mexico.

Canada boss Marsch was twice linked with taking over the reins of his native nation, but revealed he was not interested in the role "unless there's a big shift in the organisation".

Nevertheless, he feels former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea head coach Pochettino is undoubtedly the right man to take the country forward.

"I think Pochettino is a good coach. One of his best things is that he's pretty malleable," Marsch said on the latest episode of Call It What You Want.

"He really is pragmatic and tries to get the best out of his teams. He's not married to one system, which you can argue that's good and bad.

"But I think that his focus will be about how to get the best out of his best players, which he had to do at PSG, he had to do at Tottenham, he had to do at Chelsea. And typically, that's been one of the things that he's done well.

"He's gotten really good performances out of his best players and that's helped his team win matches.

"It's yet to be known how it will all turn out, but I would be optimistic that he would be able to have a positive impact on the team and on the sport in the country."

Pochettino's first game in charge will be a friendly versus Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12, before the United States face Mexico three days later.

Christian Pulisic hopes the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino will improve the United States' mentality and culture, following their 1-1 draw with New Zealand.

The Stars and Stripes were denied a first victory in four matches after Ben Waine's fortuitous equaliser in the 89th minute cancelled out Pulisic's opener in Cincinnati.

Pochettino was officially announced earlier in the day as the successor to Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed following the United States' poor Copa America campaign.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss will pick up the baton from interim coach Mikey Varas, and Pulisic hopes the Argentine's arrival will spark the nation back into life.

"Hopefully, a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks, you know, win," the Stars and Stripes skipper said when asked what he wants Pochettino to bring to the role.

"There are a lot of things that need to change, just the mentality and the culture of the group. I think we have the quality, but hopefully that's the first thing he's going to want to change."

Pochettino will also be tasked with improving the United States' results, having now won just one of their last seven matches. And Pulisic issued a rallying cry to his team-mates.

"Obviously, [these are] difficult results for us, and it's not a great feeling," he added.

"But I think moving forward, it's time to turn a page, and we really have to pick up a level - I mean everyone that's a part of this. It feels pretty low right now, but I know there are better times ahead."

Ben Waine's late goal earned New Zealand a 1-1 draw with the United States, who ended the night on a low after the confirmation of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach.

Christian Pulisic looked to have earned victory in Tuesday's friendly with his 69th-minute finish, only for Waine to fortunately capitalise on some poor defending by the hosts a minute from the end.

A lacklustre first half saw just one shot on target from either side as the USA failed to make their dominance count, entering the interval with 66.4% possession. 

But Milan's Pulisic emerged from the bench to spark the contest into life, rounding off a free-flowing move with a left-footed finish low into Max Crocombe's goal.

However, USA's dismal run, which has seen them win one of their last seven games, continued after a moment of defensive misfortune.

Nando Pijnaker's hopeful punt caused trouble, with Mark McKenzie's attempted clearance striking Waine and looping over the helpless Matt Turner. 

Data Debrief: Plenty to do for Poch

If Pochettino had any illusions about the scale of the task that awaits him as newly-appointed USA head coach, this showing will have set him straight.

Despite registering 17 shots, USA only saw five hit the target, underperforming their expected goals (xG) total by 0.33. 

But Pochettino can hold on to hope that captain Pulisic can lead his side back to glory.

His introduction from the bench in the 57th minute saw him register an xG of 0.27, a total only bettered by Brenden Aaronson (0.29), while the former Chelsea man also created more chances (four) than any of his team-mates.

Mauricio Pochettino has officially been appointed as the United States' new head coach following the departure of Gregg Berhalter.

Berhalter was fired after overseeing a miserable home campaign at the Copa America, where a shock defeat to Panama sent the USA crashing out in the group stage.

Pochettino was quickly reported to be a surprise contender for the role, having left Chelsea following a single season in charge.

The Argentine – who previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell in charge of Tottenham, leading them to the 2018-19 Champions League final – oversaw a sixth-placed Premier League finish in his only campaign at Stamford Bridge.

He has now agreed to lead the USA into a home World Cup in 2026, as they prepare to co-host the tournament alongside neighbours Canada and Mexico.

Pochettino told the U.S. Soccer website: "The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on.

"The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me. 

"The opportunity to lead the U.S. men's national team in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players is something I couldn't pass up. 

"I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of."

Pochettino's first game in charge will be a friendly versus Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12, with a meeting with Mexico scheduled three days later.

"Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape," said U.S. Soccer chief executive JT Batson. 

"His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup. 

"Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special."

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the new coach of the United States national team according to multiple reports.

The USMNT job would be a significant change for the 52-year-old as he has previously only managed at club level.

He spent three years with La Liga side Espanyol before spending a year at Southampton in the Premier League.

He then had the most successful spell of his managerial career, so far, during his six years at Tottenham Hotspur, including leading them to a UEFA Champions League final in his last full season there in 2018-19.

After being sacked by Spurs the following season, Pochettino then managed Paris St Germain for one season in 2021-22 before taking charge of Chelsea last season, leading them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

Pochettino is expected to be on the sidelines for the USMNT’s friendly against Canada on September 7 in Kansas City.

Atletico Madrid reportedly tried to cancel the transfer of Conor Gallagher, so says Valencia's sporting director Miguel Angel Corona. 

Gallagher is expected to complete his move from Chelsea imminently, ending his 16-year stay at Stamford Bridge in a deal reportedly worth €42m. 

However, Corona said that Atletico's pursuit of the England international was almost halted in an attempt to sign Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra. 

A deal had been agreed between the two La Liga clubs for the Spaniard, but the reported €25m deal fell through, allowing Gallagher's move to continue. 

“There is a maximum agreement (between clubs) on Sunday, plus it was between the president of Valencia and the maximum shareholder of Atletico Madrid,” Corona said.

"On Monday, the documentation is developed and, in the same way, it goes in parallel with the player, who is advancing in this negotiation and almost closes the agreement.

“On Wednesday, due to the delay in the return of Atletico’s documents and some comments made, a specific question was asked to Atletico’s owner, about the situation.

"Why the delay, and the answer was that they were trying to get out of the Chelsea operation and that, if they don’t succeed, they can’t face the Javi Guerra operation.

“It was the first news that we and Javi had about it, that the operations were linked, and therefore we (Valencia) got out of it because it was not a condition that was discussed on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, when there were constant WhatsApps, emails, calls, comments on clause.

"We were not informed of anything regarding the link between the two and we got out of it to protect ourselves.”

Gallagher rejected three offers of a new deal with Chelsea, with the club choosing to sell the 24-year-old this transfer window to avoid losing him on a free.  

The England international is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the 11-time La Liga champions, after captaining Chelsea to European football last year.

Gallagher made 50 appearances in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring seven goals, and adding nine assists. 

Last season, the 24-year-old was arguably Chelsea's best performing midfielder, creating the most chances (53), winning more tackles (52) and boasting the highest pass accuracy (91.5%) when compared to Moises Caicedo and Ezno Fernandez. 

Pep Guardiola insists he is content at Manchester City and focused purely on the season ahead amid suggestions he could succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.

Southgate announced his resignation after eight years in charge of the Three Lions last week, in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Homegrown bosses Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Lee Carsley have been touted as possible candidates to succeed Southgate, as has Mauricio Pochettino.

Reports have also suggested the Football Association could approach Guardiola with the intention of having him take over in 2025, when many believe he could step down as City boss.

While Guardiola has previously spoken of his desire to take an international job, for now, he is focused on City's bid to win an unprecedented fifth straight English top-flight title.

"I'm really excited for this upcoming season," he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

"I'm really happy here. Every season I need the break, definitely, but after that, I recharge my batteries and I have the same energy as usual. 

"I know the competition is coming, and I am fully focused on that."

City kick off their pre-season tour of the United States when they face Celtic in North Carolina on Tuesday, with fixtures against Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea to follow.

It is no surprise that Eddie Howe is the favourite to take over from Gareth Southgate, so says former England winger Darren Anderton.

On Tuesday, The Football Association (FA) confirmed Southgate was stepping down as England manager following the 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

The 53-year-old led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals during his eight-year spell in charge, managing 102 games during his tenure, and winning 61 of those.

Speculation over who will become the next England manager is rife, with Howe reportedly on the FA's list of targets.

Anderton, who played in Euro 1996, believes the Newcastle United manager would be the perfect fit.

"It's no surprise that he has been touted for it. I think it's something that's been talked about for quite a few years actually, that he's got all the credentials from coaching wise to the job he's done at Bournemouth and then, of course, Newcastle," Anderton told Stats Perform.

"That was a lot of pressure to go up there and do what he's done when Newcastle were really, really struggling. I think that he's loved up there, fans love him, players love him, so I would not be surprised, and he would be for me, he's the one to do it and he's got the right mentality.

"I see some way Gareth handles things. I see Eddie in the same way, so for me, he would be the one to be offered the opportunity."

Another name rumoured to be an option is former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is still out of management following his departure from the Blues after just one year in charge.

"Yeah, I think if it's not going to be an Englishman, if it's not going to be Eddie, then Pochettino all day long for me," Anderton added.

"I think he's done great things with young players starting at Southampton, playing a brand of football, coming to Tottenham, getting the best out of players, young players, making them better players, giving them the freedom to play and express themselves.

"Pochettino would be fantastic, I think. The only thing that goes against him, I would say, is not being English."

Pochettino is not the only former Chelsea boss linked with the position, with Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter also reportedly in the running, though Anderton thinks the latter is the more likely candidate.

"[Tuchel is] a top coach, top manager who has done it [at a high level]," Anderton said. "Some jobs he's been better than others, but I can see why his name's thrown in there. But I don't see him as the man to take over.

"[Potter is] an English manager. I think we all probably would prefer that.

"Brighton were a fantastic watch. Whether he's coached enough to then take on this job, that would be my worry. And of course, his last job [at Chelsea] didn't go as he would have liked."

If the FA do not find a replacement before the Nations League matches in September, Under-21s manager Lee Carsley could be placed in interim charge.

He would follow Southgate's route into the top job in that case, and Anderton noted the FA could look to follow that model again, though he is concerned about Carsley's pedigree.

"When [Carsley's] name was thrown into the hat, to me, it's a shock for the same reason as others that haven't seen him," he said.

"There are so many good coaches that don't make good managers, but this, to me, seems like probably too big a job. But I would probably have thought the same when Gareth first got the job.

"So, the FA will see that Gareth's appointment has most certainly worked. And, for that reason, it wouldn't surprise me if they chose to go down that route again."

Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea's players "deserve great credit" in his first public statement since leaving Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine departed the Blues last month after just one season in charge, despite a strong end to the Premier League campaign helping secure a sixth-place finish and return to Europe.

Pochettino's youthful squad had a slow start to the season to reach the EFL Cup final and FA Cup semi-finals, while winning each of their last five league games.

However, a trophyless campaign led the 52-year-old to part company with the club by mutual contest, with former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca named his successor earlier this week.

Nevertheless, Pochettino paid tribute to the squad in his first social media post since exiting the five-time Premier League champions.

"We know there have been ups and downs, but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level," he wrote on Instagram.

"They deserve great credit and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch. I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future."

Pochettino will be back at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, when he leads the World XI against England in the annual Soccer Aid charity match.