SEATTLE — On the first day of tomorrow, U.S. Soccer indicated it’s not sure what the future holds.
The federation released a statement Tuesday that was noncommittal about the status of manager Mauricio Pochettino, who himself gave a nonanswer when asked about the subject following the blowout 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future,” the statement read. “We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program. We have shared excitement about our potential and also shared clarity about the amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition.”
No one from the federation was made available to answer questions Tuesday.
Pochettino’s contract ran through the World Cup, but an extension offer through the 2030 cycle was reportedly presented to him prior to the competition.
The 54-year-old Argentine has made no secret of his desire to return to England’s Premier League, and Italian giants AC Milan were rumored to be after his services at the end of May, though they hired Ruben Amorim instead.
“In the next few weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk,” Pochettino said postgame. “Right now it’s about resting a little bit, to think, to have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is. I’m so happy. We’ve built a very good relationship. Now is not a moment to talk about [my future].”
The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement confirming its case regarding Folarin Balogun’s suspended red card is “ongoing” despite the result Monday night.
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is proud of the way the Red Devils responded on the pitch yesterday,” the statement read. “At the same time, the RBFA will continue to pursue the ongoing FIFA matter off the pitch. The RBFA firmly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and governance framework that fully upholds the principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play.
“Regardless of the sporting outcome, the RBFA will continue to advocate for the correct and consistent application of these principles by FIFA, ensuring that any form of arbitrariness is avoided.”
