Yunus Musah on Mauricio Pochettino to USMNT links: “He’ll be able to help a lot”

Mauricio Pochettino has already received high praise from U.S. men’s national team left back Antonee Robinson and midfielder Yunus Musah added his name to the list of players excited by the potential idea of working with the longtime manager.

Pochettino has been linked with the USMNT head coaching vacancy throughout the summer, with recent reports already confirming the Argentine’s hiring. However, U.S. Soccer has not officially announced the hiring with Pochettino reportedly being unable to sign a contract due to his former club Chelsea still owing him wages from last season.

Pochettino’s move to the USMNT would be a marquee hire for the federation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be on U.S., Mexican, and Canadian soil.

Musah, a former England youth national team player, switched his allegiance to the USMNT in 2020 and since has earned 39 caps to date. The New York-born midfielder is in the midst of his second season with Serie A side AC Milan after previously breaking through with Spanish club Valencia.

Although his focus remains on AC Milan’s upcoming league match with Parma this weekend, Musah couldn’t help but voice his excitement on the possible opportunity to work with a premier coach in Pochettino.

“Honestly, when I saw the news, it was nice to see that a manager like Pochettino [who’s] coached a lot of top teams, agreed to coach for us,” Musah told CBS Sports Golazo’s Morning Footy show. “I don’t think it’s official yet or whatever but if he becomes our manager, I feel like he’ll be able to help a lot. He’s a manager that’s worked with top players so he definitely has a lot of things he trusts.

“We need to also take accountability,” he said when asked about the USMNT’s poor Copa America showing. “At the end of the day, we have a manager that comes in, we have to also push on, you know?”

The USMNT returns to action this September in a pair of home friendlies vs. Canada and New Zealand. Should Pochettino’s hiring become official, he isn’t expected to be on the sidelines for either September match, but could begin his new role in October against Panama and Mexico.