Pochettino: USMNT Players Gain Strength Through Ignorance
Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT), believes in a unique philosophy regarding player selection. He emphasizes that players do not need to know the reasons behind their exclusion from the roster. This approach, reminiscent of Donald Rumsfeld’s “unknown unknowns,” reflects Pochettino’s views on knowledge and player awareness.
Pochettino’s Philosophy on Player Selection
Pochettino expressed on Thursday that players inherently understand their performance, whether they are included or excluded from the squad. He remarked, “If a player needs to know, it’s because they don’t really feel the sport the way I do.” This perspective shapes his decision-making when announcing player selections.
Upcoming Matches
The USMNT is preparing for two friendlies in October: one against Ecuador on October 10 in Austin, Texas, and another against Australia on October 14 in Commerce City, Colorado. This marks a significant opportunity as Pochettino has called up 26 players for these matches, differing from the previous roster of 33 players.
Notable Player Changes
- Returning Players: Weston McKennie, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, Aidan Morris, Tanner Tessmann, and Haji Wright.
- First-Time Call-Up: James Sands returns for the first time under Pochettino.
- Excluded Players: Yunus Musah, Josh Sargent, and Joe Scally missed out despite solid club performances.
Performance Context
In September, the USMNT experienced a setback, losing 2-0 to South Korea, but rebounded with a 2-0 victory over Japan. These results contributed to a growing anticipation regarding Pochettino’s plans and selection criteria as the team approaches the 2026 World Cup.
Building a New Culture
Pochettino is keen on fostering a culture where players must earn their place on the roster. He stated, “It’s not because your name is one [thing] or another, you’re going to have a place for sure on the roster for the World Cup.” His focus is to instill a meritocratic system where performance determines selection.
Managing Player Fitness
With the World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino is also mindful of player fitness and workload management. He tries to limit the number of Major League Soccer players, balancing club commitments and international obligations. Recent roster decisions have reflected this strategy, with a keen eye towards long-term player health.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Pochettino’s preparations extend beyond immediate games. He aims to establish a solid foundation for the team’s performance in the upcoming World Cup. His approach includes choosing when to integrate players based on their current club circumstances, fostering both team chemistry and individual development.
As the USMNT gears up for these crucial matches, Pochettino’s philosophy on knowledge and player awareness might be vital in shaping their journey forward, reflecting a balance between strategy and player confidence. The team’s dynamics and preparation are under constant scrutiny as they inch closer to the World Cup kickoff.
