As the World Cup approaches, the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) has experienced significant moments under coach Mauricio Pochettino, especially during September’s matches. The discussions leading to his hiring indicated a frequent recognition of the need for change in coaching approaches.

In a conversation, former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel pointed out how a foreign coach like Pochettino might take time to adjust and implement new strategies, stating, “He and his staff would want a year just to assess everything and learn as much as possible.”

Timeline of Events

By October 2024, upon his actual appointment, Pochettino acknowledged the deadline: “The normal way to work is four years to implement your ideas and your philosophy.”

The matches against fellow World Cup contenders, particularly against South Korea and Japan, revealed a lot about the team’s dynamics. Following a loss to South Korea, which was recognized as one of the poorest performances, the team bounced back with a commendable win against Japan.

Replacing the Old Guard

Pochettino indicated the necessity for changes within the team, acknowledging the previous coach Gregg Berhalter as a significant figure for players like Pulisic and Weah, who had initially campaigned for his return. “Gregg was a father figure for a lot of these guys,” commented one source.

The transition hasn’t been seamless, with challenges arising, notably around player fitness and discipline. This dynamic was highlighted by the incidents involving players like Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest as the team navigated through competitive tournaments.

Looking Ahead

Pochettino emphasized the importance of accountability, as shown in his statements: “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin.”

There is no doubt the upcoming matches will be a critical test for the USMNT as they prepare for the challenges of the World Cup.