Mauricio Pochettino Issues Strong Reaction to AC Milan Links- 'They Want to Create Problem'
Mauricio Pochettino brushed aside talk linking him with AC Milan, pushing back firmly on suggestions that his focus is anywhere other than the U.S. Men's National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Reports from The Athletic and other outlets had claimed the Italian club made contact over their managerial vacancy following Massimiliano Allegri's departure. But when asked directly during a media roundtable at the USMNT's camp in Georgia, Pochettino shut it down.
"People that question my commitment are people that want to create some problems," he said.
Still, the pressure hasn't come out of nowhere. With the World Cup just months away and the U.S. set to host, even small rumors about the head coach's future feel heavy. The timing is what made this one blow up so quickly. The idea of uncertainty around the dugout right before the biggest tournament in the country's history.
Mauricio Pochettino met with representatives from AC Milan over its vacant head coach position.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 28, 2026
The meeting took place last week ahead of the USMNT's World Cup camp in Georgia.
Pochettino's contract with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) expires after this summer's… pic.twitter.com/z5GqaG30KX
There's also the contract situation. Pochettino's contract officially expires after the World Cup, and that naturally puts him on the radar of European clubs. In that sense, AC Milan's reported interest isn't exactly surprising.
Pochettino fires back at questions over his commitment to USMNT
The Argentinian did admit his representatives may have had conversations with clubs, just not him personally.
"Maybe. Possible. Because they need to do their job, my representatives," he said.
But he was clear on where he stands. "If I met someone, what happens? What is going to change? Our commitment is the World Cup."
Since arriving in 2024, Pochettino has consistently said he chose the U.S. project over bigger offers elsewhere. He reiterated that point again, noting how often he's been approached since taking the job.
"We've had so many approaches, and we always say we finish the contract in July after the World Cup," he said. "We wanted to come here."
Behind the strong wording, it's easy to see that the priority here is keeping things steady inside the camp. With a World Cup at home, anything that hints at distraction gets amplified, and he knows it. The reaction was as much about protecting the group as it was about answering reporters.
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson also stepped in to ease the situation, saying Pochettino has been open throughout and fully committed to the project, and acknowledging that interest from Europe was always going to follow him.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 11:21 AM.