The USMNT coach’s new look draws comparison to the iconic TV coach

United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino leads his first round of training in Texas with the team ahead of friendlies with Panama and Mexico. Photos of the workout have drawn comparisons online to one of America’s most iconic TV trainers.

Men in Blazers highlighted Pochettino’s fashion and how he undeniably resembles manager Eric Taylor Friday night lights. “Just two guys coaching ball in Texas.”

It may not have Coach Taylor’s iconic strap, but the comparison is uncanny. Now if only Pochettino could deliver the same silverware for the USMNT that Taylor did with the Dillon Panthers.

Does that make Christian Pulisic the team’s Matt Saracen?

Not to mention, if there’s ever a TV or movie adaptation that tells Pochettino’s story of how he led the USMNT to World Cup glory in 2026, Kyle Chandler has to be the odds-on favorite to portray the Argentine.

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The USMNT will face off against Panama at 9:00 PM on October 12th before taking on arch-rivals CONCACAF Mexico on October 15th. Pochettino will want to endear himself to the fan base early by playing an exciting brand of football. With less than two years to go until the 2026 World Cup at home, is the motto “Clear eyes, full hearts, you can’t lose?”

Or is it, “Clear eyes, full hearts, just make it to the knockout stage, please?”

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