In what are presumably his final days in charge of the U.S. men’s national team, interim coach Dave Sarachan has taken time to step back and examine what has been a most unexpected year.



When he was offered the interim role last November, he didn’t expect the job to last beyond a few months. But as U.S. Soccer’s coaching search dragged on, one extension turned into another and into another. Somewhere along the way, Sarachan realized he needed to put a long-term plan into place for what would become a year-long gig.



Sitting in the lobby of a posh hotel an hour outside central London, Sarachan said he is pleased with what he got out of his time with the team, which has included calling up 50 players, giving 19 players their first caps, and posting a 3-3-3 record.



His mantra, he said, was opportunity and evaluation, as well as an aim to educate the newcomers about what it means to be a national team player.



“I feel satisfied that...