He suggested that the former Tottenham Hotspur manager was hired primarily as a high-profile replacement for Gregg Berhalter, in response to growing pressure from fans for a more experienced and accomplished figure at the helm.
“This is a guy that’s being paid what? $6 million a year” Lalas said on the MLS Moves’ podcast.
“This is a guy who was brought in in a short-term capacity and he understands that. We understand that and everybody understands that after the summer of 2026, he’s gone. And he’s gonna probably have lots of opportunities. So, you need to get this done, all right?
“All of the anger over Greg Berhalter, and I think the excitement over hiring someone with the cache and the sexy name that is Pochettino, that comes with responsibility and heightened expectations.
“And I think he understands that better than anybody. So again, yeah I’m OK with you progressing and learning. But ultimately, let’s be honest, he’s just going to be judged on next summer."
Since taking over from Gregg Berhalter last September, Mauricio Pochettino has led the USMNT in 16 matches, losing six of them.