It’s been a week since Mauricio Pochettino wrapped up his first training camp as the new head of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), culminating in a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Mexico.
Now, with some time passed since that match and Pochettino’s initial victory over Panama, we analyze what has transpired within his inaugural international window as the USMNT head coach.
Insights Gained
The decisions made by Pochettino regarding his roster reveal much about his coaching philosophy. He retained nearly the same squad that interim coach Mikey Varas fielded for the September matches against Canada and New Zealand, with player absences due solely to injuries.
Despite arriving with his own coaching team, Pochettino chose to assess the staff who previously assisted Gregg Berhalter, maintaining continuity through the end of 2024. As legendary goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who played under Pochettino at Tottenham, emphasized previously, the manager prefers to take his time before implementing significant changes. Consequently, many players from the October squad will likely return for upcoming matches against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
Emerging Stars
Pochettino’s goal is clear: to prepare the team for a strong performance in the 2026 World Cup. He will start the new year with a traditional MLS-centric training camp featuring friendly matches.
Several players are poised to utilize this opportunity to advance their careers within the USMNT. Notable names include Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, and Matt Turner, all of whom have gained valuable experience at previous January camps.
There will also be opportunities for those based overseas who have spent little time within the national setup. After the loss to Mexico, Pochettino expressed unfamiliarity with 23-year-old Tanner Tessmann from Lyon, who only joined the squad due to the withdrawal of Johnny Cardoso.
Strength Concerns
Pochettino has a reputation for enhancing young talent, a skill that is critical for the USMNT as they strategize for the World Cup. However, leading at the international level presents its challenges. Players such as Gianluca Busio and Aidan Morris, who highlighted potential during the Mexico game, will need to develop swiftly in order to bridge the gap left by absent starters.
A harsh truth remains: there is a notable decline in team performance when the likes of Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Christian Pulisic are absent—an absence that was starkly highlighted by the recent defeat.
Leadership Approach
Pochettino made a strategic decision to rest Christian Pulisic following the Panama match due to concerns over player fatigue. His post-match comments portrayed a favorable perspective on the team’s performance, emphasizing lessons taken from the loss.
Cultural Shift
Pochettino is aware that instilling a new competitive culture is essential. The historical strength of the USMNT—their fight—appeared diminished during their recent Copa América performance. Consequently, he must either instill this mentality or recruit players willing to exhibit tenacity consistently.
Make no mistake: the hiring of Pochettino, arguably one of the best coaches available, bolsters USMNT’s prospects as they advance toward the 2026 World Cup, even following a disappointing result overshadowed by player absences. As he noted, “For us, it’s a process that started days ago. We can only improve and learn from the experience.”
