Mauricio Pochettino has confronted early criticism after struggling his first defeat as supervisor of the USA nationwide crew over the worldwide break, with American followers labelling the previous Chelsea and Tottenham man a ‘fraud’.
The Argentine supervisor was appointed as Gregg Berhalter’s eventual successor, with the latter departing in latest months after six years in control of the USMNT, finally failing to ship on an thrilling technology of younger American expertise.
Pochettino‘s arrival marks what many count on to be a turning level in American soccer historical past, with all eyes centered on the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted largely within the States.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino faces early criticism following defeat
Pochettino kicked off his time in control of the USMNT with a snug win over Panama earlier than heading to Guadalajara to face rivals Mexico in a pleasant with followers optimistic about their possibilities beneath the brand new boss.
Nevertheless, Pochettino’s aspect got here out second finest in a 2-0 defeat, fully outplayed by their southern neighbours and seemingly unable to create any significant possibilities in opposition to the Mexico backline.
The USA aspect was near full power, with Premier League stars Antonee Robinson and Matt Turner main a aspect boasting expertise from throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues, solely including salt to the Argentine’s wounds.
Social media was fast to criticise the 52-year-old, with one fan asking “How did we worsen beneath Pochettino?”
One other USMNT fan wrote: “F*** the USSD, f*** Pochettino, and f*** whoever made the decision to ship our greatest gamers house in opposition to our greatest rivals.”
Sports activities Illustrated referred to as for calm following the sport, insisting that Pochettino’s job was to rid the aspect of unhealthy habits picked up throughout Berhalter’s reign whereas additionally calling into query the extent of ‘battle and self-discipline’ displayed by the gamers out on the sphere, describing Pochettino’s job as ‘an uphill battle’.
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The USMNT will probably be again in motion in round a month as they tackle a rejuvenated Jamaica aspect within the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League earlier than preparations for the World Cup start ramping up.
Pochettino’s full-time message featured a plea for endurance, telling reporters: “Give us time, allow us to consider all of the gamers, have them, know them, and from there I offers you a greater opinion about what’s way more elementary than what I see.”