USMNT: Pochettino Surprises with Call-up. Is He Preparing for the World Cup?

Pochettino Surprises with USMNT Call-up: Strategic Decisions or Tactical Enigma?

In his brief stint as head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, Mauricio Pochettino has shown no hesitation in making decisions regarding the team’s composition. Recent call-ups, especially for the USMNT, have generated surprise and debate among fans. The team that played in the Gold Cup was full of players making their international debut, a bold move instead of opting for experience. However, the latest roster for the USMNT has gone further, making decisions that are baffling. While familiar names have rejoined the squad, such as Christian Pulisic from AC Milan, Tim Weah from Olympique de Marseille, and Sergiño Dest from PSV Eindhoven, who were unable to participate in the Gold Cup for various reasons, their presence is a great boost for the team. Pulisic is the main offensive threat, Weah brings speed, and Dest, with his unpredictable play, has had a great start with PSV. But there are also notable and striking absences.

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Some absences make sense. Antonee Robinson, Ricardo Pepi, and Folarin Balogun, who are recovering from injuries or have just joined their clubs, were not called up so they can focus on their physical preparation with their teams. Their absence from this call-up seems sensible. Other players, such as Gio Reyna and Matt Turner, have recently changed clubs, and Yunus Musah could do so soon. These absences also seem justified. However, other exclusions have been surprising. The biggest omission is that of Weston McKennie. Pochettino has offered contradictory explanations for McKennie’s absence, mentioning the need for the player to “settle” at his club and have more opportunities to play. In addition, the coach compared McKennie’s situation to that of Pulisic, who, having not played in the Club World Cup, would be more rested. These explanations generate more confusion than clarity. If Pochettino’s explanation were to be accepted, one would expect to see players like Tanner Tessmann or Aidan Morris in his place, who have had a good start to the season with their respective clubs. However, Pochettino opted for Sean Zawadzki, who has played more as a central defender than as a midfielder.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino called up Christian Pulisic, but not Weston McKennie, for two friendlies in September.In central defense, there is no place for Mark McKenzie, who has had a good start with Toulouse in Ligue 1, while Pochettino has opted for Tristan Blackmon and 18-year-old Noahkai Banks. On the flanks, Dest is the only addition to the team who played in the Gold Cup. Was there no place for Joe Scally? In some positions, this new call-up seems like an unexpected generational shift. John Tolkin’s achievements didn’t count for much. Pochettino has stated that this camp is the last chance for players who have not been in the USMNT to prove their worth. The coach has a group of 65 players. He added that the players should not worry about not being called up to this camp.

“I think the players shouldn’t worry. They need to perform. They need to really believe they can be part of the team, and for sure our job is to select the players… and to see the player and the way they want to play. And so, we want to be sure that we will select for the final squad before the World Cup the best player to project what we want on the field”.

Pochettino

Pochettino also pointed out that no one has their place assured in the team, and that is the message he wants to convey. It seems that the coach is looking to ignite competition within the team. Will Pochettino succeed with his mix of a firm hand and experiments? It’s a risky bet. The World Cup is less than 10 months away and preparation has been hampered by several factors, including the short term caused by the hiring and firing of Gregg Berhalter before Pochettino’s arrival. The Gold Cup was supposed to be the moment to define the starters, but the absences of players forced a change of plans. In a way, the next camp resembles the same. With the September window, there are only four more opportunities left before the team concentrates for a pre-World Cup camp next May. Chemistry needs to be established and relationships forged. With this selection of players, it is not entirely clear that the opportunity offered by the September window is being made the most of.