.

“You had one job, and you blew it.” USMNT legend Alexi Lalas believes Mauricio Pochettino should not get a contract extension after crashing out of the 2026 World Cup. He was speaking on talkSPORT, when he was asked if Pochettino should stay or go. “Go,” Lalas answered. “I mean, it's not that I want him to leave. I just think that this cycle has run its course. “When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino, you had one job. And it was the game against Belgium. “You win that game, then you're in some rarefied air. And it's not gravy but let's be honest, you're playing against Spain. And you take your chances, you're back in an underdog type of role. “So I think that they [U.S. Soccer] move on. I believe he's had a good time, but you had one job, and you blew it. “And, you know, you live and die by that. Every coach understands that, every manager understands that, and certainly Mauricio Pochettino does.” Pochettino’s $6 million a year contract with U.S Soccer expires this summer. Should he stay or should he go, like Lalas said?

I know nobody wants to hear this, but this is where the real failure lies. Blaming Mauricio Pochettino or the players is too easy for me. Look back at what has happened. People like Earnie Stewart and Matt Crocker have stepped away from their roles, and we move on as if nothing happened. The real problems run much deeper. I can only speak from my own experience. There are people within the federation who should never have been put in positions of power. One of them is Cindy Parlow Cone. Years ago, Earnie Stewart asked if I would be interested in coaching the U16 National Team and assisting with the U20 National Team. We agreed, and I was excited about the opportunity. But Cindy never signed the paperwork. Earnie told me he couldn’t move forward without her signature. Later, I was advised not to talk about it because I would never get another opportunity if I did. If you’re wondering why I’m talking about it now, it’s because I’m back in Germany. Let me be clear: I don’t like working with people who put their own interests ahead of what’s best for the development while claiming they’re acting in its best interest. This is just one story. I could go much deeper on this topic because in my opinion, this is the real reason we continue to fail. There are too many issues within the federation that people don’t know.

I know nobody wants to hear this, but this is where the real failure lies. Blaming Mauricio Pochettino or the players is too easy for me. Look back at what has happened. People like Earnie Stewart and Matt Crocker have stepped away from their roles, and we move on as if nothing happened. The real problems run much deeper. I can only speak from my own experience. There are people within the federation who should never have been put in positions of power. One of them is Cindy Parlow Cone. Years ago, Earnie Stewart asked if I would be interested in coaching the U16 National Team and assisting with the U20 National Team. We agreed, and I was excited about the opportunity. But Cindy never signed the paperwork. Earnie told me he couldn’t move forward without her signature. Later, I was advised not to talk about it because I would never get another opportunity if I did. If you’re wondering why I’m talking about it now, it’s because I’m back in Germany. Let me be clear: I don’t like working with people who put their own interests ahead of what’s best for the development while claiming they’re acting in its best interest. This is just one story. I could go much deeper on this topic because in my opinion, this is the real reason we continue to fail. There are too many issues within the federation that people don’t know.

I know nobody wants to hear this, but this is where the real failure lies. Blaming Mauricio Pochettino or the players is too easy for me. Look back at what has happened. People like Earnie Stewart and Matt Crocker have stepped away from their roles, and we move on as if nothing happened. The real problems run much deeper. I can only speak from my own experience. There are people within the federation who should never have been put in positions of power. One of them is Cindy Parlow Cone. Years ago, Earnie Stewart asked if I would be interested in coaching the U16 National Team and assisting with the U20 National Team. We agreed, and I was excited about the opportunity. But Cindy never signed the paperwork. Earnie told me he couldn’t move forward without her signature. Later, I was advised not to talk about it because I would never get another opportunity if I did. If you’re wondering why I’m talking about it now, it’s because I’m back in Germany. Let me be clear: I don’t like working with people who put their own interests ahead of what’s best for the development while claiming they’re acting in its best interest. This is just one story. I could go much deeper on this topic because in my opinion, this is the real reason we continue to fail. There are too many issues within the federation that people don’t know.

I know it’s highly unlikely but I really want Mauricio Pochettino back. I would love for him to get a full 4 year cycle with the USMNT. The U.S. soccer media pundits that are saying he shouldn’t be back all just want one of their boys to be hired instead.

“You had one job, and you blew it.” USMNT legend Alexi Lalas believes Mauricio Pochettino should not get a contract extension after crashing out of the 2026 World Cup. He was speaking on talkSPORT, when he was asked if Pochettino should stay or go. “Go,” Lalas answered. “I mean, it's not that I want him to leave. I just think that this cycle has run its course. “When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino, you had one job. And it was the game against Belgium. “You win that game, then you're in some rarefied air. And it's not gravy but let's be honest, you're playing against Spain. And you take your chances, you're back in an underdog type of role. “So I think that they [U.S. Soccer] move on. I believe he's had a good time, but you had one job, and you blew it. “And, you know, you live and die by that. Every coach understands that, every manager understands that, and certainly Mauricio Pochettino does.” Pochettino’s $6 million a year contract with U.S Soccer expires this summer. Should he stay or should he go, like Lalas said?

Pat: “Galveston, Texas.” Salah: “Bring me home, brother.”

Napoleon, by Emanuel Bachrach-Barée, early 20th century

Mbappe wearing an Atlanta United jersey as a kid. Rest of the southeastern MLS teams can’t relate.

“You had one job, and you blew it.” USMNT legend Alexi Lalas believes Mauricio Pochettino should not get a contract extension after crashing out of the 2026 World Cup. He was speaking on talkSPORT, when he was asked if Pochettino should stay or go. “Go,” Lalas answered. “I mean, it's not that I want him to leave. I just think that this cycle has run its course. “When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino, you had one job. And it was the game against Belgium. “You win that game, then you're in some rarefied air. And it's not gravy but let's be honest, you're playing against Spain. And you take your chances, you're back in an underdog type of role. “So I think that they [U.S. Soccer] move on. I believe he's had a good time, but you had one job, and you blew it. “And, you know, you live and die by that. Every coach understands that, every manager understands that, and certainly Mauricio Pochettino does.” Pochettino’s $6 million a year contract with U.S Soccer expires this summer. Should he stay or should he go, like Lalas said?

🚨 Manchester City talent Sverre Nypan has joined Belgian side Lommel SK on a season-long loan. Surprise move for the Norwegian player. 🇳🇴