Mauricio Pochettino is set to manage his final two matches as head coach of the United States men's national team before returning to the Premier League to take charge of Manchester United. The team will face Haiti in a crucial two game series, with a spot in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on the line. This unconventional farewell tour comes after Pochettino secured the move to Old Trafford, marking the end of his tenure with the USMNT.
The transition period has been complicated by the absence of a clear interim replacement. Steve Cherundolo is currently managing the U 23 side in Spain, leaving the national team without a viable head coach in the short term. Consequently, Pochettino will oversee the final preparations and matches before his official departure. The coaching staff expects the players to remain focused on the immediate objective of advancing in the tournament.
Key figures within the squad, including Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, have emphasized their professionalism. Richards, in particular, is preparing to return to Crystal Palace following the international break, where he will face a new manager. The players view these managerial changes as a standard part of the professional game and are committed to performing at their best regardless of the surrounding circumstances.
Pochettino is expected to rely heavily on the core group of players who featured prominently in the recent World Cup. A strong start to the series is considered essential to maintain momentum and prevent external doubts from affecting the camp. The squad has previously navigated similar challenges, including rumors involving AC Milan ahead of the World Cup, which has prepared them to handle the current situation with composure.
Several fitness concerns have arisen ahead of the first match on Saturday, November 14. Folarin Balogun has been attempting to secure a starting position at Monaco, and Pochettino has indicated that he is not yet fully match fit. Weston McKennie has also dealt with recent fitness issues, while Auston Trusty has missed some training time following the death of his father. These factors may influence the selection of the starting eleven.
Gio Reyna has been withdrawn from the squad due to injury, creating an opportunity for Sebastian Berhalter to feature more prominently. Berhalter has maintained strong form since returning to Middlesbrough and has been one of the standout performers during the previous international breaks. His ability to deliver set pieces and contribute from central midfield positions makes him a valuable asset for this camp. The only other player expected to start who was not a regular at the World Cup is Berhalter.
Sergino Dest has also left camp due to an injury, which reduces the depth on the wings. However, Malik Tillman offers versatility as a player for Bayer Leverkusen who can fill various midfield roles. His adaptability is expected to be useful in managing the squad's current lineup constraints.
The first match of the series is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida. The game will be broadcast on TNT and available for live streaming on HBO Max. Betting odds currently list the USMNT as heavy favorites at minus 350, with Haiti at plus 750 and a draw at plus 440.
The predicted starting lineup for the USMNT includes Matt Freese in goal. The defensive line is expected to feature Antonee Robinson, Auston Trusty, Chris Richards, and Alex Freeman. In midfield, the team may field Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman, with Folarin Balogun leading the line.
This series represents a significant final test for Pochettino's tenure. The team aims to secure a decisive result that will set the tone for the return leg and ensure their progression to the next stage of the Concacaf Nations League. The players and coaching staff are focused on delivering a performance that honors the upcoming transition.
