Pochettino Celebrates United States’ Victory in the Gold Cup
The United States national team coach, Mauricio Pochettino, expressed his satisfaction after the resounding 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in the start of the Gold Cup, a result that ended a streak of four consecutive defeats.Before the match, doubts were growing around the American team, which had not achieved a victory since January under Pochettino’s direction. Off the field, tensions seemed to be increasing publicly between the coach and the absent captain, Christian Pulisic, who was not included in the Gold Cup alternate team. Pochettino argued that the players “cannot dictate the plan” before the tournament. “Today’s match was also difficult, especially because of the negative things that happened in the last few weeks,” Pochettino added. “Some results that haven’t gone well always generate noise, right? It’s important that the players have that confidence.” Regarding the victory, led by two goals from midfielder Malik Tillman, Pochettino praised the PSV Eindhoven player, who compensated for the absence of key figures such as Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Antonee Robinson in his Gold Cup team.It’s really important to start the competition with good feelings. I think it’s important for the players, for the team.
Mauricio Pochettino
With several figures absent for various reasons, from injuries to Club World Cup commitments or a rest like Pulisic’s, Pochettino pointed out that performances like Sunday’s could influence the team’s decisions for the next World Cup.Malik is a talented player. That’s obvious, everyone can see it. What changed [this summer], I think, is, of course, that I understand him better now.
Mauricio Pochettino
After the Gold Cup, the coach will begin working with a smaller selection after analyzing about 60 players in his last four camps.We want to win, but at the same time it’s about helping the players perform and knock [on] the door and say, we can perform for the national team and we can be involved in the next World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino
With three points to their name, the U.S. team and their coach will face Saudi Arabia on June 5, before closing the group stage against Haiti on June 22. The United States is second all-time with seven Gold Cup titles and was a semifinalist in the 2023 edition.We will start working with a smaller group, [and] always keeping the door open for players who may appear. But above all, after the Gold Cup, we will have a much clearer idea.
Mauricio Pochettino
