Defensive Mauricio Pochettino criticized the idea United States of America Having “regular players” in the men’s national team gave their alternate XI an advantage Great 5-1 win Above uruguay On Tuesday night, it marked the first time the U.S. has scored five goals against a World Cup winner or any South American team.
“I don’t want to be negative, no, but I hate, I hate that, ‘Not regular players.’ What [does it] Meaning?” Pochettino said after the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, when asked about the impact of a win that did not include many big names. “It’s the United States playing, it’s the national team. Hang in there with that mindset. Every time we have a decision to make about picking a starting XI, it’s the US men’s national team playing.
“I hate talking like that. It’s very disrespectful. It’s very disrespectful because I think we need to give credit to all the guys. … I really appreciate, on behalf of the team, for the roster and for all the staff, the way that we’re starting to bond together, and that’s the most important thing.”
Heading into the November window, Pochettino won’t call up key stars from AC Milan Christian PulisicCrystal Palace’s chris richardsof marseille Tim Weahand of bournemouth tyler adamsWho are suffering from injuries. High-profile midfielder Weston McKenney left behind amidst the changes within juventus,
Pochettino highlighted last week that no roster spot is “safe” for the 2026 World Cup. After Tuesday’s win, the coach expressed satisfaction with the progress of the November camp.
“I’m really very happy, because the reality is much better [than] What do you think. Much, much better. Before, it was very, very different. It was completely different,” said Pochettino, now unbeaten in five matches. “Of course, there is still a lot of work to do, but I think it’s about keeping the belief, it’s about keeping trying.”
Latest results include first international goals alex freeman, Sebastian Berhalter And Tanner TesmanAs for Freeman, the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, the 21-year-old walked away as player of the match with the final two goals for the USMNT,
Pochettino said of Freeman’s development at international level, “It’s our job, it’s our duty, to see the trajectory of the player. For that, we have to give chances and see how they perform, what their character is, what their mentality is.”
“Very happy, very happy, because today he scored twice. I think you need to analyze the way he plays. He can play like a third center back, he can go forward, to the side, inside. … When he has the ball, the team is like relieved.”
Ending 2025 on a high note, Pochettino and his roster will return in 2026 with two friendly matches in March. Following the spring window, they will begin final preparations for the World Cup in late May/early June, a tournament they will co-host. Mexico And Canada next summer.
