There were even discussions with Serie A side AC Milan on the eve of the tournament. The USMNT was ranked 17th in the world coming into the tournament, so a defeat in the last 16 would represent a natural exit point. Pochettino Explains Why He Turned Down Club Return for USMNT ProjectMauricio Pochettino took the USMNT to the round of 16 on home soil. “Working together with U.S. Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the men’s national team program even stronger,” Pochettino outlined. Atmospheres around U.S. matches at this summer’s tournament were a complete transformation from the apathy which defined the start of Pochettino’s tenure.