USMNT’s Investment in Pochettino: A Total Flop, says Kasey Keller

It’s all about the numbers for Kasey Keller. The former USMNT goalkeeper has been vocal about the lackluster performance of Mauricio Pochettino, the men’s national team manager who reportedly rakes in $6 million per year. Keller is asking the big question: Where’s the return on that investment?

The ESPN FC analyst recently told GOAL, “If you have tripled or quadrupled the salary for this position, you would expect triple or quadruple benefit from that, just in terms of return on investment. Your return on investment has been horrible, completely horrible.”

Keller has been far from impressed by the national team under Pochettino’s leadership. The manager’s first year in charge has been marred by inconsistent results against good teams, high-profile disputes with his best player, and losses in games that really mattered.

Despite winning five straight in the Gold Cup, Pochettino has only won nine of the 16 games he’s managed since taking over the program last September. These stats don’t sit well with Keller. “You’re supposed to tell me beating the 100 and 115th-ranked team in the world 4-0, I’m supposed to get excited now?” he scoffed. “I’m not that stupid. I was a goalkeeper, but I’m not that stupid.”

A Ray of Hope: Matt Turner’s Return

Amid the disappointment, there is some good news. Matt Turner’s return to the New England Revolution could add a much-needed spark to the goalkeeping competition. Christian Pulisic’s return to the national team also seems imminent, with September friendlies on the horizon.

Despite the grim reality, Keller insists that the vibes must remain upbeat. With less than a year to go until the 2026 World Cup, there is no other choice.

Keller’s candid assessment of the state of the USMNT, Turner’s return to MLS, and Son Heung-Min’s expected arrival in the league can be heard in the latest edition of Mic’d Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL US taps into the perspective of broadcasters, analysts, and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.