United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated he will take a break before discussing his future with the team, following their exit from the World Cup.
Pochettino, 54, has a four-year contract extension on the table that would keep him with the team through the 2030 World Cup. However, he has not yet committed to signing the deal. His current contract, which pays him $6 million annually, makes him the highest-paid coach in U.S. Soccer history.
"I think now, because we were talking with the Federation, it is [time] to rest a little bit, to have conversations and see what the decision is from the Federation and from us," Pochettino told reporters after the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium. "But I'm so happy, we built a very good relationship. Now is not the moment to talk about that."
The team's World Cup journey concluded in Seattle with a decisive loss to Belgium. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Malik Tillman scoring for the U.S. A goalkeeping error by Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to score Belgium's third goal, and Romelu Lukaku added a final goal in added time.
Defender Chris Richards expressed his desire for Pochettino to remain as head coach. "He's had a huge impact on us, especially over the last 18 months or so I think you've seen a real growth in this team," Richards said. "He's been great for my career, great for this national team, great for this federation, so hopefully he does extend... Ultimately, if he decides to stay on, I know when it comes next World Cup, we're gonna go farther."
Pochettino gathered his players and staff for a post-match huddle on the field in Seattle following the defeat.
