Daily Archives: August 8, 2024

Former Chelsea manager set to become United States boss

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Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next USMNT coach, according to reports.

The former Chelsea, PSG and Tottenham coach has emerged a favorite within US Soccer according to The Athletic – who say the organization is in talks with his camp.

Gregg Berhalter was fired in July after USA’s disastrous Copa America campaign saw the team crash out at the group stage.

Jurgen Klopp was previously linked with the vacancy but declined to enter talks after leaving Liverpool and planning to take a break from the game.

Pochettino worked alongside Matt Crocker, the sporting director of U.S. soccer, during his time as Southampton coach with Crocker leading the team’s academy.

Pochettino steered Southampton to an eight-place finish in the Premier League before leaving for Tottenham where he got them to the 2019 Champions League final.

A former Argentina international as a player, Pochettino left Chelsea at the end of the last Premier League season – ending a campaign of turbulence in London with a respectable sixth-place finish.

Real Madrid legend retires from football at 41

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Portuguese defender Pepe has announced his retirement from professional football.

The former Porto, Real Madrid and Besiktas centre-back has taken the decision at the age of 41, and like former teammate Toni Kroos, his last action in the game was at Euro 2024 earlier in the summer.

It was at Real Madrid that Pepe spent his best years. He was at Los Blancos from 2007 to 2017, and during that time, he won 13 major honours: three La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Copa del Reys, two Club World Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and one UEFA Super Cup.

He announced his decision to retire across his social media platforms, which included a 33-minute video posted to YouTube.

Real Madrid supporters have very fond memories of Pepe, and during his 10-year spell at the club, he became a cult hero. A tribute from Los Blancos should come in the next few hours, likely through their own social media channels.