Pochettino works on boosting belief, stepping out of comfort zone with USMNT

Stepping Up: Mauricio Pochettino Takes on the Challenge of Leading the U.S. Men’s National Team

As Mauricio Pochettino stepped into the role of U.S. men’s national team coach, he faced a pivotal question during his introductory press conference: What was the challenge that led him to accept the U.S. job?

In response, Pochettino shared his excitement at the opportunity to work with U.S. Soccer executives and emphasized the great potential of soccer in the U.S. Yet, it was clear that his main goal was to elevate the USMNT to new heights.

Speaking in Spanish, Pochettino highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing challenges to foster personal growth. “It is not only about a challenge to achieve things together but also about challenging yourself,” he remarked.

CEO of U.S. Soccer JT Batson, technical director Matt Crocker, Pochettino and president Cindy Parlow (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

By accepting the U.S. job, Pochettino aligned himself with the team’s ethos of embracing discomfort to foster growth. He emphasized the importance of “believing” as a powerful tool for achieving success in soccer, emphasizing the need for a winning mentality.

Pochettino’s vision for the team includes playing attractive, attacking football while instilling a sense of belief and competitiveness among the players. He acknowledged the talent within the squad and aims to create an environment where players can express themselves fully.

Pochettino is presented to the media at Hudson Yards (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

As Pochettino begins his journey with the USMNT, he is focused on instilling belief and confidence in the team. With the World Cup on the horizon, he aims to create a winning culture that will propel the U.S. to success on the global stage.