INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In mid-September 2024, Mauricio Pochettino walked through Midtown Manhattan as if he were walking on water. Cameras trailed him through the halls of Hudson Yards, into a ritzy theatre where, under spotlights, he was introduced as “one of the most sought-after managers” in global soccer. “This,” emcee Andrés Cantor intoned, “is the start of something incredible.” Pochettino had arrived to elevate the U.S. men’s national team. And for six months, many fans trusted he would.
In the end, there is a crucial element missing from Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT tenure, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming just 15 months away. He has the option to make changes to his player selections and starting lineups, as he did recently in an effort to send a message to underperforming stars. For example, Diego Luna stood out as a shining example of the desire and hunger that the team needs. However, Pochettino must be cautious not to alienate his key players, as the depth of the U.S. player pool is limited. While Luna impressed, other substitutes struggled during recent matches, leading to a disjointed performance.
Another area of concern is Pochettino’s tactics and gameplans, which have been questioned following lackluster showings. As the pressure mounts with the World Cup on the horizon, doubts have resurfaced about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
After a disappointing press conference, Pochettino reflected on the team’s performance and vowed to improve in all aspects, including preparation, analysis, and player selection. He emphasized that the coaching staff is ultimately responsible for the team’s success and must work together to find solutions for future matches. As he sat on the team bus, contemplating the night’s events, Pochettino remained focused on self-improvement and the team’s collective responsibility for their performances.