Ap
La Jornada Newspaper
Saturday, October 12, 2024, p. 9
Austin. A new era is about to begin for the US soccer team led by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who has the task of leading the team to one of its best versions for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea coach will debut with the United States national team with a pair of friendlies, first against Panama on Saturday in Austin and three days later against Mexico in Guadalajara.
Pochettino was not present for the first 26 matches of the World Cup cycle and in which Gregg Berhalter and three interim coaches were in charge. This is the first of eight FIFA dates that the Argentine coach will have to evaluate his players and develop tactics before the most relevant tournament in soccer.
The helmsman himself suggested that patience is needed. The coach, his staff and the players spent this week not only training but getting to know each other.
Of course, football is about competing and winning. Our fans surely want to win, said Pochettino. At the same time, they must understand that in our first contact with the players we cannot push too much. We need to give the team time to adapt to us.
Panama beat the United States in the Copa América in July after Tom Weah received a red card in the 18th minute for punching an opponent. The Stars and Stripes squad has only won once in Mexico, a friendly in 2012 at the Azteca Stadium.
The United States automatically qualifies for the 2026 World Cup as a host alongside Mexico and Canada. Pochettino has the task of taking the American team far and if possible reach the quarterfinals, something he has not achieved since 2002.
In his first call-up he included Christian Pulisic, who has scored five goals in seven Serie A games with AC Milan this season. Also notable on the list are goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who was left out of the 2022 World Cup, as well as 37-year-old defender Tim Ream.
The 52-year-old Argentine has managed several teams in Spain, England and France, but has never led a national team.
