Pochettino Defends His Players After United States Victory Over Japan
The United States national team coach, Mauricio Pochettino, came to the defense of his players after the 2-0 victory over Japan at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Pochettino asked that the criticism be directed towards him and not towards the performance of his team.The result of the match, marked by goals from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun, marked a turning point for the coach, who had suffered two consecutive defeats and seven winless games after the loss to South Korea. Pochettino, who was “very satisfied” with the victory, called for patience with his project, which began last year. The Argentine coach highlighted the importance of the process and the need for time for the players and coaching staff to adapt and get to know each other.I prefer that people criticize me, but that they don’t touch the players. I hope that in the future they criticize me, but that they let the players play freely and perform.
Mauricio Pochettino
Regarding Zendejas, star of Club América who was not called up for the Gold Cup, Pochettino admitted that his recent starting position has strengthened his candidacy for next year’s World Cup call-up.The most important thing is the process. The most important thing today, is it winning or losing? No, it’s the process. It’s about the players really believing in what we are doing. That they respect us, as we respect them. We are able to build that relationship… give time to the process and the process will work, for sure.
Mauricio Pochettino
We are very happy because he, with his performance, makes us doubt our ideas about the call-up. With this type of performance, he is in the race for the World Cup call-up.
Mauricio Pochettino
Zendejas scored after a long cross from Max Arfsten, volleying with his left foot from near the penalty spot, scoring his second goal in 13 international matches. He had not been called up to the national team since November.I know that when they criticize or give an opinion, sometimes something different can be observed from different perspectives. I know this is good for us, to see and read. Keep it up, because that makes us better.
Mauricio Pochettino
Balogun scored his sixth international goal after a pass from Christian Pulisic, beating goalkeeper Keisuke Osako with an angled shot to the far post.I was just waiting for my moment. I didn’t expect to be called up.
Alejandro Zendejas
Balogun was a late addition to the squad, joining for the first time since Pochettino took over as coach. He was injured for much of last season, which caused Pochettino and his coaching staff to hesitate whether he should be called up. Regarding preparation for the World Cup, the United States will participate next month in friendly matches against Ecuador on October 10 and Australia on October 14.We are building something big here. Obviously, he is a top-level coach and it takes time, and he tried to emphasize to us to be patient. Confidence, I think, is very important. The results are at the end of the day the type of industry we are in.
Folarin Balogun
