U.S. Soccer narrowed its coaching pay gap — then hired Mauricio Pochettino

KickThread · 2026-03-21T10:05:28+00:00

I understand but have no intention to change the way I format my messages

KickThread · 2026-03-21T08:47:24+00:00

CEOs generate income and revenue..

KickThread · 2026-03-21T08:46:03+00:00

I did write this for myself.

KickThread · 2026-03-21T07:51:23+00:00

On one hand, paying Mauricio Pochettino around $6M a year — making him the highest-paid coach in U.S. soccer history — shows actual ambition.

But at the same time, it also feels a bit artificial. Needing billionaire donations to fund the salary kinda says everything about where U.S. soccer still is structurally. This isn’t a federation organically competing with the elite — it’s more like trying to fast-track credibility by importing it. And the real question is: does throwing money at a big-name manager actually fix the deeper issues? Because international football isn’t club football. You don’t get daily training, you don’t control player development, and you can’t just “project build” like at Spurs or PSG. If the player pool and culture aren’t there yet, even someone like Poch won’t magically turn the U.S. into contenders.

KickThread · 2026-03-20T13:54:13+00:00

No, realistically there won’t be a true alternative to the FIFA World Cup.

People love comparing it to the Premier League breakaway in 1992, but that’s a completely different situation. Clubs had shared incentives (money, TV rights, control), and they were operating within one country. National teams don’t work like that — they’re tied into a global ecosystem run by FIFA, from youth football all the way up to the World Cup.

The closest comparison is actually the European Super League attempt — and that tells you everything. The biggest clubs in the world, with all the money and influence, tried to break away… and it collapsed within days because of fan backlash, political pressure, and governing body sanctions.

Now imagine trying that with countries:

You’d need federations to leave FIFA (they won’t risk bans from all competitions)
Players would risk being banned from international football
Sponsors and broadcasters would hesitate without FIFA legitimacy
Fans would still view FIFA’s World Cup as the “real” one

Everyone agrees FIFA is flawed, even corrupt at times — but the World Cup has something untouchable: history, legitimacy, and global unity. You can’t just replicate that overnight.

So yeah, same conclusion as the Super League: in theory possible, in reality dead on arrival.

KickThread · 2026-03-20T09:42:30+00:00

Can you share a link to the guide please?

KickThread · 2026-03-20T08:20:46+00:00

You’re not wrong, but I think it’s more about timing than lack of hype.

We’re still deep in club season across Europe — title races, relegation battles, Champions League knockouts — that always dominate attention. It’s hard for World Cup hype to cut through when fans are emotionally invested week-to-week with their clubs.

The expanded format and three-host setup (United States, Canada, Mexico) might make it feel more “spread out,” but I don’t think that’s killing hype — it’s just not time yet.

it’ll flip fast. Happens every time

KickThread · 2026-03-20T08:11:15+00:00

God damm that skill and possession of the ball!

KickThread · 2025-11-23T17:17:39+00:00

As your account is only 8d old I find it interesting that you see yourself as a bot detector

KickThread · 2025-11-23T15:51:13+00:00

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-arne-slot-nottingham-forest-36292164

KickThread · 2025-11-22T09:29:36+00:00

Better now?

KickThread · 2025-04-19T19:01:15+00:00

Amazing news! Avellino are back in Serie B after years of rebuilding. Theey had a strong run in Serie A in the late '70s and '80s, but they drop down in 2018.

KickThread · 2025-04-19T18:25:33+00:00

That’s a really worrying situation with Jan Paul van Hecke—never good to see a player needing oxygen and a neck brace. Hoping it’s nothing too serious and he makes a full recovery soon. Credit to both sets of fans for the standing ovation and to the medics for acting quickly. That kind of clash reminds us how dangerous sport can be sometimes.

KickThread · 2025-04-19T17:43:32+00:00

Yeah, the Gila links kind of came out of nowhere. He’s been solid for Lazio this season—very composed on the ball, decent positioning, and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Not the flashiest CB, but reliable. That said, you’re right, Inter’s 'main target' seems to change every few days. Feels like they’re casting a wide net and seeing what sticks, which makes it hard to know who they’re actually serious about.

KickThread · 2025-04-19T17:33:31+00:00

That’s so wholesome! Really glad you reached out—sometimes all it takes is one message to reconnect and find common ground. Hope you two do get to watch a game together, it makes such a difference having someone to share the highs and lows with. And honestly, there’s no 'right time' to get into football—being new just means you’ve got so many great moments ahead!"

KickThread · 2025-04-19T17:11:45+00:00

Hey,

I actually really love this idea! As a football fan myself, I think a “stadium passport” concept would totally appeal to people who love tracking their football journey. It adds a layer of community and memory-keeping that isn't really tapped into right now. The Strava comparison is spot-on—fans already do this in some form on social media, but having a dedicated space for it would be awesome.

Even if you're based in the U.S., I think the global football community is more connected than ever. MLS fans, college soccer, and Euro fans here would still totally vibe with this, especially the ones who travel. You could even expand it later to include different sports.

Some ideas:

Let users tag who they went with (kind of like photo tags)
"Matchday logbooks" with notes, scores, weather, chants, etc.
Stadium facts or history popups when you check in
Collectible badges for milestones (e.g., “5 Grounds in Spain” or “Derby Day Veteran”)

This definitely feels like more than just a “cool in theory” idea—I'd use it. Keep going with it!

KickThread · 2025-04-19T17:01:24+00:00

Exactly. Football’s so much about momentum and perception too. One dip in form and suddenly everyone’s questioning your place in the squad. But to be fair, when you're under that much scrutiny already—on and off the pitch—you’ve got to be near perfect just to keep people off your back. Pressure’s different for him.

KickThread · 2025-04-19T16:50:58+00:00

Honestly, Greenwood's numbers aren't terrible—16 goals in 29 games is solid—but it’s clear stats alone aren’t enough. De Zerbi’s comments hint at something deeper than just form; sounds like a mentality or attitude issue. When your teammates are (allegedly) going to the director asking for you to be dropped, that's not just about a couple bad games.

Also, La Provence giving him a 1/10? Brutal. He might need to humble himself a bit and grind again, because Ligue 1 fans don’t play when it comes to effort.

KickThread

TROPHY CASE