Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, has wasted no time in outlining his ambitious plans for the team. In a recent press conference, the 52-year-old manager emphasized his main goal of winning and turning the team’s fortunes around after a string of disappointing performances.
Pochettino expressed his belief that the team has the potential to achieve great things, including winning the World Cup. He stressed the importance of instilling a winning mentality in the players from day one and creating an environment where they can perform at their best.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Pochettino highlighted the need to rebuild the team’s confidence and work on creating a cohesive unit. Despite the recent setbacks, he remains optimistic about the talent within the squad and is committed to helping them recover and excel on the international stage.
With his contract running through the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino sees this as a prime opportunity for the USMNT to showcase their abilities on home soil. While setting long-term goals, he emphasized the importance of understanding the team dynamics and starting with small steps.
In terms of playing style, Pochettino aims for an attack-focused approach but remains open to flexibility. He believes in playing attractive, attacking football to engage fans and create an exciting brand of soccer.
Contrary to common perceptions about limited preparation time in international duty, Pochettino believes there is ample time to implement new ideas and strategies. He trusts the intelligence and talent of the players to adapt and excel under his guidance.
The USMNT’s first test under Pochettino’s leadership will be a friendly against Panama on Oct. 12 in Austin, Texas. It will mark the beginning of a new era for the team as they strive to regain confidence and make a mark on the global stage.