NBC’s Howard Says Guardiola Is Absolutely Not the Right Manager for USMNT
Howard questions Guardiola’s fit
On his podcast Unfiltered Soccer, Tim Howard urged caution about reports linking Pep Guardiola to the USMNT. Howard said the Americans need a coach willing to make a long commitment ahead of the next World Cup, and he raised concerns about Guardiola’s temperament with players.
Howard pointed to Guardiola’s success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but said it does not show how he would fare with less highly ranked players. “We do not know,” Howard said, questioning whether Guardiola could succeed with what he described as level-two or level-three talent.
Concerns over player demands
Howard also argued that Guardiola’s intensity could be difficult for the national team’s players. He said Guardiola had “crushed players” who would be among the USMNT’s best, adding that some had withered under the coach’s demands.
For that reason, Howard said Guardiola was not his choice for the job. His view contrasts with the excitement many American soccer fans may feel about the reports linking the Spanish coach to the team.
Coaching search and upcoming events
Mauricio Pochettino is leaving the USMNT for Manchester United after attracting interest from top European clubs. U.S. Soccer leaders are expected to speak with Guardiola this week, while recent funding has made pursuing coaches such as Pochettino or Guardiola possible.
The USMNT is scheduled to compete in the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2027 and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Hopes are also high for the team’s “golden generation,” led by Christian Pulisic, ahead of a possible final World Cup for that group in 2030.
Key points
- Tim Howard says Guardiola is not the right fit for the USMNT.
- Howard questions whether Guardiola’s success with elite clubs would translate to the American squad.
- U.S. Soccer leaders are expected to talk with Guardiola this week.
- The USMNT’s upcoming milestones include the 2027 Gold Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.