Mauricio Pochettino Begins New Role as USMNT Head Coach

Earlier this week, the players of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) commenced their first training sessions under newly appointed head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine, known for his intense coaching style, has begun laying the groundwork for a significant transformation in the team’s approach. At his introductory press conference in New York last month, Pochettino emphasized the importance of connection. “The player needs to feel that you care,” he stated, emphasizing a holistic approach to player management that prioritizes mutual confidence and performance enhancement.

Under Pochettino’s guidance, the USMNT players are being introduced to a more intense training regimen. “Yeah, straight away it seems a little bit more intense,” remarked an unnamed left-back on Tuesday. Pochettino’s reputation for high-intensity training comes from his early influences, particularly Marcelo Bielsa, his mentor during his formative years in Argentina.

Pochettino first encountered Bielsa at Newell's Old Boys, where Pochettino began his professional career as a teenager. Their paths crossed throughout Pochettino’s playing and early coaching days, influencing his dogmatic approach at clubs such as Espanyol, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur. Known for demanding relentless pressing and peak fitness levels, Pochettino’s teams have typically been among the top performers in terms of distance covered per game, particularly noted during his time at Southampton and Spurs.

Despite some resistance to his methods, the results under Pochettino’s leadership have often exceeded expectations. At Southampton, the team saw a remarkable improvement, finishing eighth in the Premier League in 2013-14, up from fourteenth the previous season. His tenure at Tottenham saw the team reach new heights, finishing second in the 2016-17 Premier League and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.

Brad Friedel, a former US international who played under Pochettino at Tottenham, highlighted the coach’s focus on hard work and professionalism. Friedel noted, “The only people that won’t fully get on board with [Pochettino] are people that don’t work hard.” This sentiment echoes throughout Pochettino’s managerial career, where performance on the pitch dictates player selection.

Transitioning to a more pragmatic style in later years, Pochettino adapted his approach during his time with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), managing a dressing room of high-profile stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. His tenure at PSG was marked by a balance between high-expectation management and adapting to the team’s unique dynamics.

In a recent interview, Friedel, now a sporting director, commented on Pochettino’s adaptability: “Pochettino likes to play out of the back, but if he needs to be pragmatic, he will.” This flexibility is expected to play a crucial role in molding a USMNT squad that is eager for new strategic directions. As the team embarks on this new chapter with Pochettino at the helm, players and fans hope for a potentially transformative period that enhances the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.