Pochettino’s Vision for the USMNT: Navigating Challenges and Cultivating a Winning Mentality

omidbasir- “The storm began in my absence, suggesting that it might have been the catalyst for their search for us. I often liken a ship caught in a storm to the need for a change in navigation; a new captain must accept the responsibility of steering the vessel into calmer waters.”

This statement has an Eric Cantona-like flair from the manager, yet he acknowledges that the challenges of his role were likely more substantial than he had anticipated. Much of his rhetoric since taking the helm has revolved around “cultural resets” and addressing underlying issues. It was well-known that Pochettino would not be a mere soft touch, but neither party apparently foresaw the extent of change required for him to implement his vision for the team. Adjusting to new circumstances takes time, and the “ship” needed careful steering.

“Based on our recent performances, particularly after the Gold Cup, I believe the team has discovered a competitive edge and is raising our overall standards. We’ve emphasized concepts that are now becoming ingrained in our play. This represents our strength, which we aim to maintain, even as these matches present challenges and opportunities for players vying for a spot on the national team ahead of the World Cup—an endeavor that inherently carries risks.”

Pochettino has frequently faced scrutiny regarding his squad selection. He has predominantly relied on MLS players and introduced numerous athletes who had not previously participated in national team cycles. To date, the Argentine coach has called up 71 different players to training camps and offered several debuts.

This strategy not only opens doors for emerging talents but also raises the possibility that some players may not remain in the picture long-term. Pochettino is optimistic, noting signs of progress. Excluding a significant defeat against South Korea, the USMNT has shown improvement since the Gold Cup and is currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten streak.

“We make our decisions carefully. In the last match, we chose not to call up Pulisic due to his recovery from injury; it was too risky to bring him back. He missed the Gold Cup for rest. We believed it was essential for him to recuperate, considering he had participated in numerous international matches and UEFA Conference League games with his club. He should return in optimal condition for March and the World Cup.”

Pochettino has also navigated disagreements with European clubs over player availability for international duty, addressing each case with careful consideration. Last summer, Christian Pulisic requested a break during the Gold Cup to recover from a demanding club season. Pochettino honored this request, allowing Pulisic to return to the squad once he was fit. Conversely, Chris Richards participated in the Gold Cup before returning to Crystal Palace’s preseason, prompting Pochettino to omit him from the latest camp to manage his workload.

“There are coaches here in the U.S. who have criticized me without cause. I would never criticize a colleague, as I understand the complexities of coaching. If someone asserts that their background in a sport outside of football makes them qualified to critique me, I can accept that. However, disparaging my understanding of U.S. soccer because of a couple of losses, particularly amidst our ongoing transformation, feels like exploiting the situation without grasping the sport’s essence.”

A recurring theme when a foreign coach leads a national team is whether they comprehend the cultural landscape surrounding the program. In Pochettino’s situation, some observers questioned his understanding of the expectations associated with the USMNT, implying that his reactions to the Nations League semifinal and third-place defeats indicated a lack of familiarity with the U.S. sports context.

Pochettino refuted this notion, asserting that the losses were personally challenging for him and part of a wider rebuilding effort. While he acknowledged that winning the tournament would have been beneficial, he underscored that his primary focus was on addressing fundamental structural issues within the team.

“For me, success is measured by victories. If you do not win, what is the significance of finishing second? I believe we should strive for victory. If you reach the semifinals or quarterfinals and cannot clinch the title due to various factors, we should still acknowledge our achievements. However, looking at Morocco in the 2022 World Cup, they succeeded because of their unwavering mentality to win. Spain, a formidable opponent, eliminated several teams. This approach is crucial, especially in our own country. It’s essential to think boldly. A strong World Cup performance is vital for establishing football as a constant presence.”

Pochettino stated during his introductory press conference that his aim for the USMNT in the World Cup was to reach the quarter-finals—a goal that seemed attainable, especially with the tournament taking place on home soil in just over six months. However, his tone has shifted. While he is not promising that the USMNT will win the World Cup, he is actively working to foster a winning mentality within the squad, instilling a belief in their ability to compete against any opponent. Morocco’s impressive run to the semifinals in Qatar has served as a reference point for aspiring teams, and Pochettino has maintained that their conviction in their capabilities was a driving force behind that success.