We recently covered USMNT legend Eric Wynalda's comments defending Christian Pulisic following the criticism the AC Milan forward received after the United States' elimination against Belgium.
However, that was not the only case of criticism to emerge. Mauricio Pochettino, the team's head coach, also received his share of the backlash.
Another former USMNT player stepped up and advised the US soccer federation to be patient about keeping Pochettino as head coach.
Marcelo Balboa urges patience before deciding on Mauricio Pochettino's contract extension
The former USMNT player's comments came after the United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32, prompting speculation on social media about a possible contract extension for Pochettino through the 2030 World Cup.
That’s why Marcelo Balboa said this about extending Pochettino so quickly:
“I would sit back for about a month. I would process a lot of stuff. I would talk to some key individuals, do my due diligence, and then I would make an informed decision.”
Although it may seem otherwise, Balboa not only called for patience but also acknowledged the great job the former Tottenham Hotspur head coach has done with the USMNT. Even though he was also concerned about Poch’s plan:
“I think Pochettino did a great job. But does Pochettino want to coach this team for the next four years, or does he want to coach every day? I would not want to hire Pochettino if there’s a chance he may leave within the next four years. That would be a very tough one.”
After saying this, Balboa expressed who can be the replacement for Pochettino. It is publicly known that a top candidate is Jesse Marsch, the Canadian coach. Nevertheless, Balboa has another name in his mind.
“So I would probably have done what we’ve asked a long time ago, and they finally did it. I would have hired Steve Cherundolo to do what he’s doing now. So if Pochettino does leave, you have Steve Cherundolo to come in.”
Steve Cherundolo currently manages the USMNT U-23 squad. The same one he will coach at the 2028 Summer Olympics. Balboa also added that:
“If Pochettino decides to leave tomorrow, you can slide Steve Cherundolo right into the U.S. national team and have him take over. So, would I re-sign Pochettino? I think I would have to really sit down and make sure that he understands this project that he started.”
Before finishing his statement, the former Club León defender explained and recognized Poch:
“Because listen, I never lost faith in him, but a lot of people lost faith in him. You know, because of the results, the players, this and that….and he gave us what we wanted, his heart, a team that was united, a team that was going to fight and press and do everything.”
Do you agree with the USMNT Legend?
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