A financier who helped fund Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as the United States men’s national team coach says he wants the Argentine manager to remain in charge, as talks continue over a contract extension following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Scott Goodwin, co-founder of credit investment firm Diameter Capital Partners, said he believes Pochettino has elevated the national team and should continue leading the program.

“I think he’s the best coach we’ve ever had for a men’s national team. I don’t think it’s close,” Goodwin said. “I’d love to have him back. But in the end, it’s his decision.”

Goodwin and Citadel founder Ken Griffin played a key role in bringing Pochettino to the US setup in 2024. The pair provided a significant portion of the funding for the coach’s estimated $20 million compensation package, which also covered his assistants and related costs.

Pochettino’s current contract expires after the 2026 World Cup. However, the US Soccer Federation is discussing a possible extension that would keep him in charge through the 2030 tournament despite the team’s 4-1 round-of-16 defeat to Belgium.

Confirming the negotiations, Pochettino told Spanish radio Cadena Cope: “They have made me an offer to continue, and we will see. Next week we will make a decision.”

Goodwin said he has already informed US Soccer that he is willing to provide additional financial support to help secure a new deal for Pochettino and his coaching staff.

“The level that they have is better than anything we’ve had on the men’s side,” said Goodwin. “If he stays, you’ll see more of that passion, more of that belief built into the team. And if he doesn’t stay, it’s really important that whoever comes in keeps going with that.”

He added that he would also consider helping fund another elite coach if Pochettino leaves.

“I think the US men’s national team should aspire to have top global coaches,” he said, “and if I can be a part of that, I’m really interested in being a part of that.”

Griffin also praised the team’s World Cup campaign, saying: “It was exciting to watch the US Men’s National Team compete on the world’s biggest stage under Mauricio’s leadership. Americans have every reason to be proud of how our team performed and to be optimistic about what’s ahead.”

While disappointed by the loss to Belgium, Goodwin said the team exceeded expectations in rebuilding culture and raising standards across the program, adding: “But we’ve built something now that has so much momentum.”