Pochettino the player: How his playing days shaped USMNT coach

Years before coaching the U.S. men's national team in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , and before managing some of the biggest clubs in world soccer, Mauricio Pochettino was known as " El Sheriff ."

Marshaling his area of the pitch with an aggressive and vocal presence, the former central defender made a name for himself in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a physical and thundering enforcer. This bold personality and imposing style was seen most prominently in Spain with Espanyol , where Pochettino landed after being molded by the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys .

Through two separate stints that marked the beginning and end of his playing career abroad, the long-haired officer took command at Espanyol. Establishing himself as a captain for the team that would go on