USMNT Coach Pochettino Stresses Mentality Over Talent for Gold Cup Success
As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the anticipation for the upcoming Gold Cup. The United States men’s national team, under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, is gearing up for what promises to be a challenging tournament. But Pochettino is not just looking for players with fancy footwork or dazzling skills. No, he’s on the hunt for something deeper, something that can’t be measured by stats alone: a strong mentality.
In a recent interview with the U.S. Soccer Federation, Pochettino made it clear that talent alone won’t cut it for those hoping to don the Stars and Stripes this summer. “The right mindset must be there, because we need to compete for our flag, our country,” he emphasized. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially after the team’s recent struggles.
The USMNT is set to face Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti during the group stage of the tournament. The goal? To advance to the knockout round and, ultimately, to bring home the trophy. But as Pochettino points out, it’s not just about the physical game. “We need to be intelligent in the way that we are going to select the players and not just choose based on talent alone. We need to have the right characters to be really competitive.”
It’s a lesson learned the hard way. The United States is coming off a disappointing Nations League Finals last month, where they fell 1-0 to Panama in the semifinals and then lost 2-1 to Canada in the match for third place. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially after the team had claimed victory in the first three editions of the tournament.
Pochettino didn’t mince words when he questioned the team’s lack of effort and competitive mentality during that two-game international window. He demanded more intensity from his players, a message he continues to reinforce as the Gold Cup approaches.
“For sure to start we must compete hard,” Pochettino said. “We must match the intensity of our opponents, because in these tournaments they are always motivated to play against the USA. Of course, we must perform well to win and you don’t always get a result, but for sure in order to win you have to compete.”
It’s not just about showing up and playing nice soccer, he insists. “No, you must be proud, you must fight for the people that would love to be in your position, for the millions of kids that are going to see us and dream to be one day where we are. This is the type of responsibility and commitment we need to show in a different way than we did in Los Angeles.”
Pochettino has spoken before about the importance of mentality, labeling it as the defining factor on the field. He draws inspiration from his native Argentina, saying, “They go to war and to defend your badge, your flag, and that is what we need to create.”
Before the Gold Cup kicks off, the USMNT will have a chance to test their mettle in two international friendlies. They’ll be hosting Turkey and Switzerland on June 7 and 10. These matches will be crucial for Pochettino to assess not just the skills, but the mental fortitude of his players.
- USMNT to face Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in Gold Cup group stage.
- Recent Nations League Finals saw USMNT lose to Panama and Canada.
- Upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland to test team readiness.
As the countdown to the Gold Cup continues, all eyes will be on Pochettino and his squad. Will they rise to the occasion and show the world what they’re made of? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Pochettino won’t settle for anything less than the best, both on and off the field.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
