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The recent performances of the United States men’s national team in the CONCACAF Nations League have left fans and pundits puzzled. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discussed on “The Cooligans” podcast how the unexpected defeats against Panama and Canada have raised significant concerns among supporters.
“The USMNT has disappointed us all,” Polanco remarked, emphasizing the widespread disappointment that followed the lackluster matches.
Despite high expectations and Mauricio Pochettino taking charge, many had hoped for a smooth transition and sustained success. However, the reality appears less promising. Guerreros expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the 3-4-3 formation under Pochettino, noting that it did not deliver as anticipated against Panama.
“Pochettino got it very wrong,” Guerreros stated. “When I saw (Joe) Scally on the left, I was like, ‘No! … This is the first time I’ve seen the 3-4-3 under Pochettino with all the big names. You want Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson in there, but when I saw it, I was like, ‘I don’t know, bro.’
One key point discussed by the hosts is the difference in motivation between the U.S. players and their international counterparts. Guerreros suggested that other nations view their national teams as their “army,” giving them an extra edge in matches against the U.S. This, coupled with the socio-political tensions highlighted by Polanco, seemed to have fueled the performances of Panama and Canada.
The insights from The Cooligans highlight a troubling pattern: while the USMNT possesses talent, the results have not matched expectations. Both Polanco and Guerreros propose that U.S. Soccer may need to reassess its strategies and tackle the underlying issues causing these inconsistencies. With no pressure of World Cup qualification, Polanco stressed the importance of shifting focus to ensure competitive play before tournaments.
“On a scale from minus three to three, I’m at negative two,” Polanco remarked, capturing the current national sentiment. With time still on Pochettino’s side, the upcoming months will be critical for refining tactics and fostering team cohesion.
How do you feel about the current state of the USMNT under Pochettino? Share your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to listen to “The Cooligans” on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.