In a surprising twist, USA manager Mauricio Pochettino has addressed rumors linking him to the recently vacated Brentford manager position.

After Thomas Frank's departure to Tottenham, Brentford decided to promote their former set-piece coach, Keith Andrews, to take the reins.

Reports from Irish outlet The42.ie suggested that Pochettino, alongside Steve Cooper, had interviewed for the job. However, Pochettino responded to Fox Sports, stating unequivocally that he was 'never contacted' by Brentford.

"I never talked to the club," he emphasized, as the news broke of Andrews being appointed.

This speculation arose amid ongoing buzz that Pochettino might return to Tottenham following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou. Yet, the coach dismissed this idea as 'not realistic,' especially with the USA gearing up to co-host the World Cup in just a year.

Furthermore, the report highlighted a significant hurdle: Pochettino is under contract with US Soccer, meaning any interested clubs would need the federation’s permission to negotiate.

Leading the American squad has not been without its challenges since his hiring last September. The team faced a disappointing exit from the CONCACAF Nations League at the hands of Panama and fell to Canada in the third place match.

In preparation for the Gold Cup, the U.S. also stumbled in friendly matches, losing to Turkey and suffering a 4-0 defeat to Switzerland.

Complicating matters, Pochettino has had a public disagreement with star player Christian Pulisic, who declined to participate in the Gold Cup but expressed a desire to play in the friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland. Pochettino, while acknowledging Pulisic's request, stood his ground, stating, 'I’m the head coach, not a mannequin.'

Nevertheless, Pochettino has started to silence critics with three solid wins during the Gold Cup group stage against Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Now, all eyes are set on their quarterfinal clash with Costa Rica this Saturday.