TAMPA, Fla. — Mauricio Pochettino and Marcelo Bielsa share a rich history that began with a late-night visit. In a recollection shared with Sky Sports in 2019, Bielsa, then only 30, recalled visiting a young Mauricio, who, at 13 years old, was peacefully asleep in his house in the small Argentine town of Murphy.
Bielsa, serving as the reserve team manager for the esteemed Newell’s Old Boys, was at the dawn of a highly influential coaching career and sought to glimpse the young player’s potential. He was so captivated that he decided to give the sleeping boy a shot at professional soccer. Three years later, Newell’s signed Pochettino to his first professional contract.
Interestingly, neither Bielsa nor Pochettino could have envisioned that 40 years later they would be coaching against each other as the U.S. team faces Bielsa’s Uruguay on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pochettino expressed immense respect for Bielsa, stating, “He was really important to me when I was young, starting my soccer journey at 13 or 14. My admiration is substantial; I don’t see him as a friend but someone I deeply respect, like a hero.”
Pochettino thrived at Newell’s, which is also known as the club where Lionel Messi honed his skills and where Diego Maradona had notable seasons before retiring. He later pursued a successful playing career in Europe with teams like Espanyol and Paris Saint-Germain, even representing Argentina in the 2002 World Cup.
Though Pochettino built a reputation as a manager with accomplishments at Espanyol and leading Tottenham to an unexpected UEFA Champions League final in 2019, it was Bielsa whom he aimed to emulate.
Bielsa’s coaching journey began in 1990 with Newell’s, and his remarkable path included managing teams in Mexico and Spain, ultimately leading Argentina’s national team where he coached Pochettino again. His influence extended to the English Premier League as he became a cult figure at Leeds United, helping the club ascend back to the top tier after many years in lower divisions.
Interestingly, Bielsa played a crucial role in Pochettino’s ascent to the U.S. national team job following Uruguay’s elimination of the U.S. at the 2024 Copa America.
This upcoming game marks their second matchup on the sidelines, the first occurring more than 14 years prior when Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao faced Pochettino’s Espanyol in La Liga.
“I appreciate, admire, and love him,” Pochettino remarked. “He was essential to my career and my passion for the game. This match is about celebrating our shared history.” He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Bielsa’s Uruguay, stating, “We know it’s going to be tough.”
Fan Take: This match not only highlights the evolution of two storied coaches but also emphasizes the growing competitiveness of American soccer on a global scale. As Pochettino and Bielsa face off, fans can witness a captivating blend of mentorship and rivalry, which could have significant implications for the future of soccer in the U.S.
