Coach Pochettino Addresses Team Spirit and Criticism
In Austin, Texas, the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, Mauricio Pochettino, addressed questions about criticism he has faced, especially after a strong start in the 2025 Gold Cup. Emphasizing teamwork and unity, Pochettino stated:
“We are focused on building a cohesive group rather than seeking revenge against our detractors. Our goal is to find the best combination of players as we progress in the tournament.”
Reflections on Winning and Losing
Pochettino reflected on the nature of soccer, noting:
“Winning often leads to praise, while losing invites scrutiny. It’s part of the game.”
Team Performance and Upcoming Challenges
With the team having experienced a difficult streak of four consecutive losses before entering the Gold Cup, they found success in their first match, triumphing 5-0 over Trinidad and Tobago. This victory has infused new energy into the squad as they prepare for their next challenge against Saudi Arabia at the Q2 Stadium on Thursday. Depending on the results from other matches, a win could advance the U.S. into the knockout phase.
Looking ahead to the Saudi Arabian team, which comes off a victory of their own in the group stage, Pochettino acknowledged their competitive nature, saying:
“They are quite experienced and have proven themselves in recent competitions, notably their win against Argentina in the last World Cup. Their players are known for their aggressiveness, speed, and technique, presenting a formidable challenge for us.”
Player Updates and Fan Support
Pochettino also provided updates on player availability, mentioning that Tyler Adams and Johnny Cardoso, who missed the previous match, have rejoined training and may see playing time against Saudi Arabia.
Despite only drawing a crowd of 12,610 for their opener against Trinidad and Tobago at San Jose’s PayPal Park, the coach expressed optimism about future attendance levels, particularly as the U.S. gears up to co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico next year. Pochettino remarked:
“While our recent attendance has been inconsistent due to various tournaments happening simultaneously, I believe our fans will turn out in large numbers for the World Cup. Their support has always been strong, like in our last match here in Austin.”
Next Matches in the Campaign
After facing Saudi Arabia, the U.S. will continue their Gold Cup campaign against Haiti on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
