Admiration for Son Heung-Min
In a recent statement, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT), expressed his admiration for Son Heung-Min, who recently transitioned from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at an unprecedented MLS transfer fee of $26 million. Pochettino, who previously coached Son during their shared tenure at Tottenham, emphasized that the South Korean forward’s involvement in Major League Soccer will significantly contribute to the sport’s development in the U.S.
Upcoming Friendly Match
The 33-year-old Son, who has scored 51 goals for South Korea over 134 international matches, is expected to captivate fans not just by his proficient skills but also by his leadership qualities. The upcoming friendly match between the USMNT and South Korea will take place on Saturday at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, where Son will lead his national team against Pochettino’s squad.
Reflecting on his past coaching relationship with Son, Pochettino noted, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet again; he was a key player during my time at Tottenham, and I expect his impact on MLS to be substantial.”
As Son gears up for the game, he has already made a solid start with LAFC, accruing one goal and one assist in his first four appearances.
Team Dynamics and Future Matches
On the topic of internal dynamics within the USMNT, Pochettino addressed lingering concerns regarding his relationship with team captain Christian Pulisic. Pulisic previously opted out of the Gold Cup, citing fatigue, which led to speculation about a potential rift between him and Pochettino. The coach clarified,
“I am responsible for the lineup decisions; it’s important to move forward. Christian is vital to our team, and the atmosphere is positive.”
Following the encounter with South Korea, the USMNT will next compete against Japan in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, as part of their ongoing preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which is set to take place on home soil next year.
