USMNT’s Pochettino Trusts Roster Ahead of Gold Cup Amid Player Absences

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of trusting his squad selection for the upcoming Gold Cup, despite several key players’ unavailability. The team will face Switzerland in a friendly on Saturday, which serves as preparation for the tournament.

Key players such as attacker Christian Pulisic, defenders Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson, along with Tim Weah, are missing the Gold Cup due to various commitments and injuries. Pochettino remarked that he must focus on developing a competitive roster while making the best of the current situation.

“We need to adapt to the circumstance and I think it’s important not to pay too much attention to them,” Pochettino stated to reporters Friday. “It’s only to try to believe and to provide the players a good environment for them to perform and fight for a place.”

The absence of experienced players means that many newcomers, including seven uncapped athletes, will take the field during the Gold Cup. U.S. captain Tyler Adams expressed optimism about the team’s mental mindset, highlighting the significance of professional discipline during the tournament.

Adams noted, “We have to find the right balance of doing the work on the field, making sure we’re doing the work and when we have downtime to rest in the appropriate way.” The team has experienced three consecutive losses, a situation Pochettino hopes to change with his impending roster selections.

They aim to build confidence ahead of the Gold Cup, with expectations set for the team to improve and adapt to their roles. Pochettino concluded, “The impact of the whole team, I am so happy with that.” The U.S. will face Switzerland next at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, before kicking off the Gold Cup against an opponent yet to be announced.