USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has laid down the gauntlet ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup, sending a clear message to his players: this isn’t a vacation. Forget the golf clubs and leisurely dinners; the focus is solely on the upcoming tournament and the crucial road to the 2026 World Cup.
In a recent press conference, Pochettino emphasized the importance of complete dedication and unwavering focus during the team’s training camp. He made it abundantly clear that players should be fully committed to the national team, leaving any outside distractions behind. This strong stance comes after a disappointing fourth-place finish at the Nations League in March, highlighting the need for a significant shift in mentality and preparation.
The upcoming summer schedule is packed, featuring friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland in early June, followed by the Concacaf Gold Cup from June 15th to July 7th. However, the absence of several key players, including Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie, and Giovanni Reyna, due to rest and Club World Cup commitments, has created an opportunity for other players to step up. Pochettino hopes this will allow some of the less experienced players to show what they can do and inspire confidence in the fans.
The coach acknowledges the need to reassure fans and restore belief in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. He is emphasizing a relentless, aggressive approach in every game, aiming to instill a winning mentality and demonstrate a clear commitment to the national team’s goals.
Several notable absences from the squad include Pulisic (resting after a demanding season), Yunus Musah (personal request), and Antonee Robinson (injury). Pochettino also made what he termed ‘football decisions’ to leave out Josh Sargent, Joe Scally, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Tanner Tessmann. US Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker confirmed that Pulisic’s decision to sit out these games was a mutual agreement between the player and the federation, recognizing the need for rest and recovery after a heavy workload.
The team’s upcoming training camp in Chicago will mark a significant test under Pochettino’s leadership, following the disappointing Nations League results in March. Pochettino is clearly aiming for a complete turnaround in the team’s performance, focusing on a change in approach and a renewed commitment to success. With a blend of MLS and European-based players, the team will face Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in the Gold Cup group stage, setting the stage for a crucial test as they look to build towards the World Cup.
The inclusion of several players with notable family connections, such as Alex Freeman (son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman) and Sebastian Berhalter (son of the former USMNT coach), adds another layer of interest to the team’s composition. With a new era dawning for the USMNT, the focus is firmly on the field, and Pochettino is leaving no room for complacency.
