Milan hold talks with USA coach Pochettino after Allegri sack

By Adegboyega Adeleye

AC Milan have opened talks with Mauricio Pochettino over the club’s vacant managerial position following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri.

Pochettino, who currently manages the United States, is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the BBC, the Argentine tactician has already held initial discussions with the Serie A giants as Milan intensify efforts to appoint a new head coach ahead of next season.

The 54-year-old’s contract with the United States Soccer Federation is expected to expire after the World Cup, making him a strong candidate for a return to club football.

Speaking after training on Thursday, Pochettino denied personally meeting Milan officials but admitted his representatives could be involved in discussions over future opportunities.

“Maybe, possible, because they need to do their job,” Pochettino said when asked if his representatives had spoken with Milan.

He added: “We have friends everywhere and my representative works for me in trying to find the best possibility for the future. That is normal.”

Despite the speculation, the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager insisted his immediate priority remains leading the United States at the World Cup.

Pochettino took charge of the USA national team in September 2024 and is expected to lead the Americans into the tournament on home soil next month.

US Soccer chief executive JT Batson also dismissed suggestions that the Argentine is already preparing to leave, describing him as “incredibly transparent” regarding interest from other clubs.

Pochettino has not managed at club level since leaving Chelsea after the 2023-24 campaign, where he guided the Blues to a sixth-place Premier League finish and the Carabao Cup final.

Before Chelsea, he won the Ligue 1 title and French Cup with Paris Saint-Germain and famously led Tottenham to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

Advertisement

Milan are searching for a new manager after sacking Allegri following a disappointing campaign.

The Rossoneri missed out on Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season after finishing fifth in Serie A, despite securing a place in the Europa League.

The post Milan hold talks with USA coach Pochettino after Allegri sack appeared first on Vanguard News.
Source link