With Mauricio Pochettino set to lead the USMNT in his first game as head coach, he will have a new support team by his side. Recently, U.S. Soccer introduced five new staff members who will work alongside Pochettino.
Interestingly, Pochettino is not only implementing his strategies with the team but also bringing in familiar faces from his previous coaching roles. Four out of the five new hires announced by U.S. Soccer have a history of working with Pochettino across various top European clubs.
Jesús Pérez will serve as Pochettino’s right-hand man in the role of first assistant coach. He will be supported by assistant coach Miguel “Miki” D’Agostino and goalkeeper coach Antonio “Toni” Jimenez.
Adding to the mix is Silvia Tuya Viñas, who will take on the role of strength and conditioning coach for the USMNT. Viñas, who holds a PhD in sport science, most recently worked with Liga F club FC Levante Badalona.
Another significant addition to the staff is Pochettino’s son, Sebastiano, who will join as a sport scientist. Sebastiano has been working alongside his father since their time at Tottenham in 2016, and has followed him to PSG and Chelsea.
With the new coaching staff in place, U.S. Soccer has announced the mutual agreement to part ways with Vincent Cavin, who served as assistant coach under Gregg Berhalter.
Pérez and Jimenez have been long-standing companions of Pochettino, joining him after their time together at La Liga club Espanyol. Pochettino, who initially played for Espanyol, later transitioned into coaching at the club from 2009 to 2012 before embarking on his managerial journey at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
D’Agostino and Pochettino share a deeper connection, having played together in Argentina before reuniting at Espanyol. D’Agostino had coaching stints in France and the United Arab Emirates before linking up with Pochettino.
Pochettino’s debut as the USMNT coach will kick off with two friendly matches. The team is scheduled to face Panama in Austin on Oct. 12, followed by a match against the Mexican national team in Zapopan, Mexico.