Following another setback on their U.S. tour, USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged his team to maintain a positive outlook. Despite a recent loss and growing concerns about team chemistry, Pochettino remains confident in his long-term vision for the squad, emphasizing the importance of process over immediate results.
Pochettino's message comes amidst a challenging period for the USMNT, with the 2026 World Cup looming large. The team's performance in recent friendlies has raised questions about their readiness to compete against top-tier opposition. While acknowledging the concerns, Pochettino has defended his player selections and the team's overall performance, urging critics to apply "common sense". He emphasized that these matches are crucial opportunities to experiment with different lineups and tactics, even if it means taking risks and facing potential setbacks.
"We need to start to win when the World Cup starts," Pochettino stated on Saturday. He also noted the dangers of peaking too early, referencing Argentina's experience in the 2002 World Cup, where they entered as favorites but were eliminated in the group stage. "There are too many examples of teams that win and then arrive at the World Cup and they don't arrive in the best condition," Pochettino said.
Pochettino's approach has been to prioritize experimentation and evaluation of players, sometimes at the expense of immediate results. This has included giving opportunities to inexperienced players and assessing their ability to integrate into the team. He has also emphasized the importance of creating competition within the squad, ensuring that every player feels the need to fight for their place. "I don't have a number one. Every player has the same opportunity to fight for a place,” Pochettino stated.
The USMNT's recent loss to South Korea, where they outshot their opponents but failed to convert their chances, highlighted some of the challenges the team faces. Questions have been raised about the team's defense and overall cohesion. However, Pochettino remains optimistic, pointing to the talent within the squad and expressing confidence that they will be in top form when the World Cup arrives.
Pochettino's focus extends beyond just the on-field performance. He is also trying to create a strong team culture, drawing inspiration from the passion and togetherness of college football. He wants to foster an environment where players feel a strong connection to the team and are willing to fight for each other.
Looking ahead, Pochettino has roughly 10 friendly games left to fine-tune his squad before the World Cup. He aims to use these matches to solidify his preferred lineup and tactics, while also continuing to evaluate new players. The return of key players like Christian Pulisic is expected to provide a boost to the team's attacking prowess. Pochettino has downplayed any lingering questions about Pulisic's absence from the Gold Cup, emphasizing that the player is happy to be back with the team.
Despite the recent setbacks and criticisms, Pochettino's message remains clear: stay positive, trust the process, and continue to work towards the ultimate goal of success at the 2026 World Cup.
