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Pochettino Calls for Stability After 4-1 Belgium Loss

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 1:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pochettino Prioritizes Stability

U.S. men’s soccer team returned to camp after a 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino said his priority is stability and avoiding drama for four years.
He warned hype comparing teens to Lionel Messi could damage development.
A 26-player roster will be announced around September 17 for friendlies versus Peru, Chile, Mexico, Canada.
Pochettino said the 2027 Gold Cup will launch the team before 2030 World Cup qualifying.

Summary

Pochettino Demands Stripping

Pochettino urged the Premier League to strip Chelsea of the 2016-17 title and award it to Tottenham.
He cited Chelsea's £10.75 million fine for historic financial breaches as evidence of an unfair title.
Tottenham contacted Pochettino twice to replace managers, but his USMNT commitments blocked any move.
After Thomas Frank’s dismissal, Spurs hired Igor Tudor, who managed five winless games before being sacked.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 Calciopoli forced the FIGC to strip Juventus of two Serie A crowns, dock 30 points and fine €15 million, then award 2005-06 title to Inter Milan. Mauricio Pochettino now points to Chelsea’s £10.75 million fine to argue Premier League should reassign the 2016-17 title to Tottenham. The case shows governance failures can reshape championships, prompting US Soccer to stress stability before the 2027 Gold Cup.

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Pochettino Prioritizes Stability

U.S. men’s soccer team returned to camp after a 4-1 World Cup loss to Belgium.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino said his priority is stability and avoiding drama for four years.
He warned hype comparing teens to Lionel Messi could damage development.
A 26-player roster will be announced around September 17 for friendlies versus Peru, Chile, Mexico, Canada.
Pochettino said the 2027 Gold Cup will launch the team before 2030 World Cup qualifying.

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