Overview
- Multiple outlets reported this week that Pep Guardiola is expected to step down from Manchester City at the end of the season, making him a potential free agent for new roles.
- Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast that U.S. Soccer should at least call Guardiola if he is available to discuss the national team job.
- Mauricio Pochettino remains the USMNT coach under a two-year deal signed in September 2024 that covers the 2026 World Cup, so any coaching change would depend on Pochettino’s post-tournament decisions.
- Commentators caution that Guardiola’s exceptional club record may not translate directly to international management and that the U.S. team presently lacks the elite roster he has typically worked with.
- Guardiola’s past year-long sabbatical in New York and his long trophy record at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are cited as reasons the U.S. could appeal to him and why U.S. Soccer might consider making contact.