👨‍💼 New managers bring prestige to Concacaf, but will they get results?

Poch, McClaren, Marsch & Yorke are known names in Europe. Will they become known for success here?

The Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals pit the United States against Jamaica, yes, but for some fans it’s Mauricio Pochettino against Steve McClaren.

Pochettino, whose previous stops have included Tottenham Hotspur, PSG and Chelsea, and McClaren, who once managed England, several other Dutch and English club teams and was most recently an assistant coach with Manchester United, both are big names in Europe. That means a matchup that will draw more attention than usual from media outlets and fans on the other side of the Atlantic.

“It’s about profile, and Concacaf needs that,” McClaren said in a news conference Saturday. “In Europe, we didn’t know so much (about Concacaf). I come here and we play against the likes of Cuba, even Nicaragua, Honduras - what tough games! Different games.

“I go back home (and tell friends they) need to get some scouts over in Honduras, need to get some in Nicaragua because they’ve got good players, good teams and really tough environments.”

The two meetings between McClaren and Pochettino will look a bit different than depicted in the JFF’s match graphic - but perhaps not all that much.

Those aren’t the only big-name managers who will be in Nations League action or will soon push to qualify for a place at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Though some Leeds United fans were ready to see him go, Jesse Marsch showed what they are missing this summer when he led Canada to the Copa América semifinals.

And Dwight Yorke, remembered in England for scoring more than 60 goals with Manchester United between 1998-2002 plus his stops before with Aston Villa and after with Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, starts his journey as Trinidad and Tobago manager in March. Already, though, the Soca Warriors are emphasizing his credentials from his playing days as a reason for fans to buy in.

“Dwight’s journey from a standout player to a seasoned leader in football brings a unique vision that aligns with our ambitions,” Trinidad and Tobago FA president Kieron Edwards said when Yorke was announced as manager. “We are confident he will guide us forward with purpose and pride as we work to make Trinidad and Tobago’s presence felt on the world stage once again.”

That’s the important part not just for the Caribbean nations but for anyone. It’s easy to find a famous manager. It’s much more difficult to make sure the famous manager actually finds success.