Mauricio Pochettino navigates his first job as national team manager, but his service with US national team (USMNT) has not yet delivered the results fans hoped for when he took the reins. With 2025 Gold Cup in the horizon, Pochettino delivered a strong message to Captain Christian Pulisic and the rest of the squad about the player’s selection for the competition.
In spite of high expectations, USMNT stumbled into the latest Concacaf Nations League finalends in fourth place after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Panama and a 2-1 defeat toward Canada. When he spoke with USMNT’s official website, Pochettino emphasized the need to introduce a winning mentality throughout the squad.
“The right way of thinking must be there, because we have to compete for our flag, our country. What we try to do as staff is to optimize each preparation area, and the players’ mentality is really important“Pronounced the Argentine boss.
In addition to mentality, Pochettino made it clear that his coaching staff focuses on building a well-rounded group-not just a talented one. “We have to be intelligent in the way we will choose the players and not just choose based on talent alone. We must have the right characters to be really competitive. “
With USMNT stem guests currently playing in Europe and Pulisic wearing the captain’s bracelet, The challenge in the future is not just about talent, but cohesion and mindset. Pochettino is determined to avoid repeating previous mistakes when the team prepares for the region’s largest tournament.
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Gold Cup Focus: to win and build against the World Cup
Drawn into group D alongside Trinidad & TobagoThe Haitiand Saudi ArabiaUSMNT enters 2025 Gold cup As group favorites, but Pochettino doesn’t take anything for granted. On the question of his reaction to the group, the coach made an honest statement:
“I think it will be a difficult group, and it is important that we respect all our opponents in the competition“He said.”The Gold Cup is historically always a difficult competition, and we are happy to be involved and of course we want to win. It is a great opportunity for us to test different players and see their character and continue to build and prepare the team for the World Cup“The coach added.
USMNT opens group play on June 15 against Trinidad & Tobago. With the eyes already on FIFA -VM 2026, Pochettino has made one thing clear: his goal this summer is to lift the Gold Cup on July 6.
