There are growing complaints about United States men's soccer team head coach Mauricio Pochettino. While the possibility of a return to Tottenham has also been raised, realistically, the chances are low.

The Mirror reported on the 24th (Korea time), "Pochettino, the head coach of the U.S. national team, said that the loss to Canada was not very significant. As a result, American fans were furious."

The U.S. men's national soccer team suffered a shocking two consecutive losses, having lost to Panama 0-1 in the recent CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and then falling to Canada 1-2 in the third-place match. The disappointment among fans was heightened by the fact that both matches were held at Sofi Stadium in California, their home ground.

Despite the situation, Coach Pochettino maintained a composed demeanor at the post-match press conference, stating that this loss could serve as a "positive opportunity."

According to the Associated Press, he said, "If we're going to make these mistakes, it's better to do it now. We still have time," adding jokingly, "If this situation occurred at the World Cup stage a year from now, I would have really said, 'Houston, we have a problem. SOS.'"

Pochettino stated, "I am an optimistic person. Even if I am disappointed and angry, I try to find something positive in it. This result will not have a negative impact on the World Cup. Rather, it could have a positive effect."

The Mirror noted that such comments have fueled fans' anger. Some American fans have raised their voices in criticism on social media, saying, "What can we expect from a coach who couldn't win the Champions League even with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé?", "He is no better than Greg Berhalter," and "Given the current pace, it's questionable whether we can even make it to the World Cup."

In September of last year, the United States Soccer Federation officially appointed Coach Pochettino with a two-year contract worth approximately $6 million (88 billion won). The Mirror reported that fans who were disappointed with the Berhalter regime welcomed Pochettino's arrival, but now the calls for his dismissal are growing.

The team's performance is also not meeting fans' expectations. The Associated Press pointed out, "The United States lacked sharpness throughout the match against Panama, and they had only one real chance to attack against Canada. Their defensive organization was also shaky." Despite Pochettino making several changes to the lineup in this tournament, the effects were minimal.

Aside from Patrick Agyemang, who scored the only goal against Canada, key player Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) was substituted after just 69 minutes, and the defense allowed Jonathan David of Canada to score the decisive goal. Pochettino admitted, "We failed to communicate the tactics thoroughly to the team," but emphasized, "We still have time."

Pochettino will have his final opportunity for assessment at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup set for this summer. However, because it coincides with the FIFA Club World Cup, some key players may be absent, leaving it uncertain whether they can field a full-strength squad.

The U.S. national team has secured an automatic berth in the World Cup as the host nation, but given their recent performances and atmosphere, concerns are growing about what kind of results they can achieve at the 2026 home World Cup.

Furthermore, Coach Pochettino has recently been embroiled in rumors of a return to Tottenham. He was spotted having a conversation with Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy at a café in London.

Pochettino has recently mentioned Tottenham in public appearances and has even suggested a desire to return, indicating the possibility.

Pochettino achieved remarkable success during his tenure as Tottenham's head coach. He developed Tottenham into a title-contending team in the Premier League and, in 2019, he led the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League final. In that final, Tottenham lost to Liverpool 0-2.

Local reports in the U.K. suggest that, with the underwhelming performance of Tottenham's head coach Postecoglou, there are calls for Pochettino to return.

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