Mauricio Pochettino’s Journey with the USMNT: A New Chapter in International Football
MIAMI — Mauricio Pochettino, a name synonymous with some of Europe’s most prestigious football clubs, has embarked on a new adventure as the manager of the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT). This decision marks a significant shift in his career, as he steps into the international arena, a realm that presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. Four months into his tenure, Pochettino is still acclimating to the intricacies of his new role.
In a candid conversation with ESPN, Pochettino shared, “Yes, it’s been months, but there have been very few weeks working together. The time we have together is very [limited] that we can spend with the players, but it is about discovering new things every time we are with the players.” This statement underscores the limited time national team managers have with their squads, a stark contrast to the club environment where daily interactions are the norm.
As Pochettino and his team work towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be partially hosted on home soil, they are focused on understanding what it takes to build a successful team. The former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea has identified instilling a winning mentality as his primary challenge.
“If you speak to any coaches from different national teams, different countries, clubs, coaches talk about mentality and the challenges to create the winning mentality,” Pochettino explained. “The belief — that is the truth. If we are able to identify the players, 26 or 30 players that share the same mentality, I think we could be a very good group of players with the possibility to compete at our best. It is not only to identify the talent — it’s about the talent and the strong mentality, the winning mentality.”
But what exactly is this elusive “mentality”? It’s often described as something you recognize when you see it. Today, there are metrics to gauge a team’s effectiveness in this area, such as winning duels and defending set pieces. However, it remains a subjective evaluation.
Pochettino is passionate about attitude and competitiveness. During his interview with ESPN, he animatedly discussed these topics, pointing to his home country, Argentina, as a prime example of a team with a strong mentality. “We talked about Argentina because it’s the [world] champion and they have very good players, but for me the most important difference is the mentality — how they compete as a group and the belief that they have … when they go to the pitch,” he said. “They go to war and to defend your badge, your flag, and that is what we need to create.”
Despite the challenges, Pochettino believes his players possess a “really good mentality, a really good culture.” Center back Tim Ream echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail. “I think it’s more of [having] a winning mentality every single day, every single training session, every single pass,” Ream said. “Everything matters, right? And I think that’s more what [Pochettino’s] desire and his meaning is, is that everything counts.”
However, Pochettino’s frequent references to mentality and competitiveness suggest there is room for growth. There was a time when the USMNT’s mentality was unquestionable. In the 1990s, as the team began to make its mark on the world stage, its attitude was a key factor in its competitiveness, even when talent was lacking. Today, consistency is an issue.
“Sometimes there’s a moment when you go up and down,” Pochettino noted. “The most important is to be consistent, to keep your capacity and your mentality. We are very happy with them.”
This inconsistency predates Pochettino’s arrival. When the U.S. faltered in last summer’s Copa América, then-manager Gregg Berhalter and some players acknowledged the team’s lack of intensity. At the time, the USMNT seemed complacent, with little change in the lineup unless a player was injured or suspended.
Even with Pochettino’s arrival and the increased competition for places, there have been moments when the team hasn’t displayed the necessary attitude. In a 2-0 friendly loss to Mexico, the U.S. struggled against El Tri‘s pressing. Substitute Alejandro Zendejas stood out for his intensity, highlighting the disparity with his teammates. Even in a 4-2 victory over Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, the U.S. eased off in the second half, conceding twice.
The lack of competitive fixtures before the 2026 World Cup is a concern. The USMNT will participate in the Concacaf Nations League matches in March and the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer, but that’s it.
- Concacaf Nations League matches in March
- Concacaf Gold Cup this summer
Pochettino hopes the prospect of playing in these tournaments will motivate his players. “I think it’s a good opportunity, because of that competitive stress that makes you evolve, [where] you have to compete to get to the World Cup,” he said. “But now there’s the challenge that we put into the team and players.
“We planted a seed of competitiveness to understand that there are no friendlies. Each game is an opportunity for a player to demonstrate that he can be competing for a spot at the World Cup. The American player is competitive, and we have to understand, and are understanding, that the upcoming games against Costa Rica and Venezuela are games to play and compete. That is something important that we are transmitting.”
Upon signing with U.S. Soccer, Pochettino understood the weight of a nation’s expectations. While he insists he feels no additional pressure, his serious tone conveys the gravity of his mission. Although he can only do so much to guide the USMNT to the coveted trophy on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, Pochettino is committed to making the country proud.
“The priority is to transmit the values that are the idiosyncrasy of this land and people,” he said. “The culture of the United States, it’s clear that in the U.S., if you see all sports, everyone is very competitive, we want to win. So that, a brave team, a team that is the protagonist and that gives a show and joy.”
Though still early in his tenure, Pochettino recognizes the work ahead to transform the USMNT into the dynamic and ambitious team it once aspired to be. The journey to 2026 is just beginning, but with Pochettino at the helm, the focus is clear: it all starts with the right mindset.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano and Jeff Carlisle
