The United States national soccer team coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has expressed the importance of not paying too much attention to the circumstances surrounding his team’s selection for the Concacaf Gold Cup. Instead, Pochettino emphasizes the need to “trust the squad” and create an environment conducive for players to “fight for a place” in the World Cup. Pochettino’s preparations for the Gold Cup, which includes a friendly against Turkey, have been affected by the absence of several key players.
- Christian Pulisic (AC Milan): Fatigue.
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham): Knee surgery.
- Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven): Recovery from anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
- Weston McKennie and Tim Weah (Juventus): Club World Cup commitments.
What was expected to be an extended period with the best players leading up to next year’s World Cup at home has transformed into a different situation. Pochettino has been forced to turn to the depth of the USMNT player pool, with a 26-player roster for the Gold Cup that includes seven players with no international experience and another seven with fewer than five international appearances.
We need to adapt to the circumstances and I think it’s important not to pay too much attention to them. You just have to try to believe and provide the players with a good environment so that they perform and fight for a place and be in the World Cup in a year.
Mauricio Pochettino
When asked if he thought the current squad was good enough to win the Gold Cup, Pochettino preferred not to answer, focusing instead on the opportunity ahead of the players.
I think it’s a great opportunity for us to settle things. Sometimes that’s difficult when you only have a few days to train and you need to play. I think now it’s a great opportunity to be together for a month… And then we’ll see.
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino has also subtly criticized the USMNT regarding the attitude displayed in previous meetings. The United States World Cup captain, Tyler Adams, stated that Pochettino has communicated to this group what he expects.
I think the mentality needs to be clear, and I think [Pochettino] has made it clear from day one, that we are here to work. We are here to enjoy ourselves on the field, to improve every day, to learn from what we have to go through.
Tyler Adams
Adams went on to explain the importance of finding the right balance between work on the field and rest for recovery. He also emphasized the need for players to be top-level professionals.
