U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his plans to include a mix of emerging talents and seasoned players for the upcoming matches post-World Cup, as he gears up for the road to the 2030 tournament. Recently signing a contract that extends until the World Cup, Pochettino is narrowing down a pool of approximately 100 players to 26 for four friendlies this fall. This pool includes the 26 who participated in this summer’s World Cup and about 40 players he groomed beforehand, along with young prospects eager to establish themselves in the senior team.
“We aim to blend experienced players with younger ones,” Pochettino mentioned. “This will help the younger athletes learn how to handle the pressure of playing at this level in forthcoming matches. It’s crucial to maintain a large pool of players as their development can significantly change over time, and we must nurture that growth.”
Now two years into his tenure, Pochettino refers to the upcoming friendlies as a “fresh start,” emphasizing the importance of time to facilitate a generational shift in the team. Notable young players like Cavan Sullivan from the Philadelphia Union, set to join Manchester City next September, and 19-year-old Zavier Gozo, who made his Premier League bow for Crystal Palace last month, are among the hopefuls.
Pochettino also noted the federation is in contact with dual nationals contemplating their international commitments, although some, like defender Noahkai Banks, remain undecided on which national team to represent. “Without a decision, we can’t consider him for the upcoming camp,” Pochettino added.
In collaboration with U-23 head coach Steve Cherundolo, Pochettino is focusing on building a strong player pool leading up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, which is significant for youth development as it serves as a mid-cycle checkpoint before the next World Cup. “There’s a goal to aim for our first ever Olympic gold medal, which is a priority for the federation and our country,” Pochettino said.
The upcoming friendlies mark a significant opportunity for Pochettino as he navigates the complex landscape of player development in American soccer, hoping to utilize World Cup enthusiasm to revamp the country’s youth soccer framework. Recruiting young talent is just one part of his new advisory role which he embraces with ambition. “It’s time to establish new norms and a clearer vision for how we can progress towards becoming true contenders by the next World Cup,” he stated.
Friendlies Schedule:
Sept. 26: USMNT vs. Peru (4:30 p.m., TNT)
Sept. 29: USMNT vs. Chile (8 p.m., TNT)
Oct. 3: USMNT vs. Mexico (10 p.m., TNT)
Oct. 6: USMNT vs. Canada (8 p.m., TNT)
Pochettino opened a recent press session by referencing lyrics from Joe Keery’s song, highlighting that the real journey is just beginning. His goals for the next four years differ markedly from the initial months in his role, as he is now open to giving young talents a greater platform to flourish despite the inevitable pressures.
He admitted that he needs to exercise caution with young players, recognizing that managing their expectations is essential for their long-term success. “We must protect them from the pressures of becoming the next big star too quickly, ensuring they can progress thoughtfully,” he explained.
Pochettino voiced concerns regarding a gap in mentality among some players and emphasized that the culture needs to shift for the team to thrive. “Changing long-standing attitudes is crucial; excuses around fitness must give way to a stronger commitment,” he said, citing past decisions that have hindered progress.
He aims to foster a better understanding of the demands of being a national team player within the broader soccer environment. This includes establishing robust connections with MLS coaches and monitoring player comportment both on and off the field while attending club matches as part of his strategy to develop future talent.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it signals a shift towards prioritizing youth development, a crucial factor for the future of the U.S. national team. By integrating fresh talent alongside seasoned players, Pochettino is setting the groundwork for a competitive squad that fans can rally behind, especially with the prospect of a home Olympics and World Cup on the horizon.
Source: www.cbssports.com
