USMNT Coach Pochettino Calls for a New Mentality
On a chilly January afternoon, the United States men’s national team head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, shared his bold vision for the future of American soccer. In a candid conversation, Pochettino expressed his belief that American players have the talent to compete with soccer powerhouses like Spain and Argentina. However, he emphasized that a shift in mentality is crucial, urging his players to adopt a “little more arrogant” approach when stepping onto the field.
“There is still a gap between Argentina and Spain, but we are reducing it every day,” Pochettino stated confidently. “I think there is a question of belief and I think that being a little more arrogant in our ability to believe that we can do it well and that we have the quality enough to compete at the same level.”
Since taking the reins of US Soccer in September 2024, Pochettino has been on a mission to instill a stronger mentality in his squad as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Although the United States will not participate in qualifiers as a host nation, Pochettino insists that his players approach every game with a fierce level of aggressiveness.
“Our principal objective is to have the ball in position and then evolve and develop all the ways to keep the ball in position and to, of course, be aggressive and to score a goal because, in the end, the sport is about scoring and not conceding,” he explained.
He continued, “In this moment, we need to react and we need to be explosive, we need to have power, we need to have, you know, the capacity, the focus and the concentration and the aggressivity to go and the organization to go and recover as soon as possible. Why are we very demanding?”
Pochettino’s approach is a blend of tactical discipline and emotional intensity. He believes that to build a balanced team, one must be demanding on both sides of the ball. “I think it’s a combination of all the things that I think if you want to have a very balanced team in possession and out of possession you need to be very demanding on both sides and of course we are very demanding … yes, we are coaching the staff that we try to push the player to deliver the best show as possible.”
Emulating the Argentine Passion
In a fascinating twist, Pochettino suggested that American players could learn from the way Argentines live and breathe soccer. He emphasized that the talent is present, but a different approach could help bridge the gap with the world’s elite teams.
“It’s the way that the Argentine players compete, the mentality. When you lose a ball, you cry. When you lose a game, you cry, spend maybe one week in your room. It’s how to defend your badge, your flag, how to defend your identity, your culture. I think that is what we want to translate,” he said passionately.
“Because when you play for your national team and you’ve listened to your anthem, you need to feel something in your skin, inside yourself … If we are capable of feeling that, we have the quality and the capacity, we are professional, so professional discipline we have, I think we can find or we can build a very competitive team.”
Players Respond to Pochettino’s Intensity
Players participating in the USMNT January camp have already begun to feel the effects of Pochettino’s coaching style. After just 10 days, Zack Steffen described the coach as “demanding” and “intense.”
- “Pochettino, he’s very demanding, very intense on the field. He’s somebody you can go and ask questions and talk to. And he manages the guys well,” Steffen said in a mixed zone.
- “It’s been intense, but it’s really good. It’s been really good. You’ve got to be laser focused. It’s going to be tough work. And then when training is done, just do whatever you want to do and enjoy.”
As the USMNT gears up to face Venezuela on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the first of two friendlies during the January window, Pochettino will have the opportunity to assess his players. The team will then travel to Orlando to confront Miguel Herrera’s Costa Rica, providing further chances for evaluation.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
