Pochettino will decide on his future with the US national team next week

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the US national soccer team, has said that he will make a final decision on his future as early as next week. Currently, the 54-year-old Argentine specialist is in active negotiations with the US Soccer Federation regarding a possible contract extension until the 2030 World Cup. Pochettino's current deal, which takes over in September 2024, expires at the end of the current tournament. In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE on Thursday, he commented on the situation: "We are evaluating it, considering it. They made me an offer to continue and we will see. Next week we will make a decision," the coach said. Despite a crushing loss to Belgium in the round of 16 that left the co-hosts out of contention, the US Soccer Federation hopes to keep the coach. Before that, the Americans demonstrated a bright game at the group stage and won a convincing victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16. It is worth noting that at the beginning of this year, the former coach of Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea was in the field of interest of several leading European clubs. While his contract issue is being resolved, all Pochettino's attention is focused on the upcoming World Cup final between his native Argentina and the Spanish national team. The coach does not hide his excitement about the upcoming confrontation: "Everyone is looking forward to the match between the World Cup and Copa America winners against the European champions. They both deserve to be in the final. I think this is the best match to watch these days. I have no doubt that it will be one of the most important matches in the history of the last 40 years," Mauricio emphasized. Pochettino refrains from singling out a clear favourite, noting the strengths of both finalists. In his opinion, Argentina exudes confidence, excellent control of the game and shows great patience. At the same time, Spain is an extremely well-organized team that is able to impose its game. The specialist paid special attention to his compatriot, 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who is having an outstanding tournament (he provided two goal assists in the winning semi-final against England). "The further Messi is from your goal, the better. You have to put a lot of pressure on Argentina so that they can't connect with him. It's extremely important. It's impossible to control players these days. Spain will try to press and impose their own team play," the specialist emphasized. According to Pochettino, even at his age, Messi retains a unique aura and the undeniable respect of his opponents, which makes the Argentina national team a truly formidable force on the field. It will be recalled that earlier it became known that Slavko Vincic will work on the final of the 2026 World Cup between Spain and Argentina.