Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine football manager and former professional centre-back, born in Murphy, Santa Fe, on 2 March 1972.

Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine football manager and former professional centre-back, born in Murphy, Santa Fe, on 2 March 1972. He began his senior playing career with Newell's Old Boys and later played for Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux. As a manager, he has coached several major clubs and was appointed head coach of the United States men's national team in September 2024.

Early life and playing career

Pochettino was born in Murphy, Santa Fe, Argentina, on 2 March 1972. He played as a centre-back and began his senior playing career with Newell's Old Boys in 1989. He later played for Espanyol in two spells, winning the Copa del Rey in 2000, and also had stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux.

Managerial career

Pochettino began his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009. He later managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 to 2019, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea during the 2023–24 season, and was appointed head coach of the United States men's national team in September 2024. At Tottenham, he led the side to a second-place Premier League finish in 2016–17 and the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League final. With Paris Saint-Germain, he won domestic trophies including the Ligue 1 title and French cups.

Honours and achievements

As a player, Pochettino won league honours with Newell's Old Boys and the Copa del Rey with Espanyol in 2000. As a manager, he won the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions with Paris Saint-Germain.

Style and reputation

Pochettino is widely associated with an intense, pressing-oriented style of football and is regarded as one of the most prominent Argentine coaches of his generation.