Pochettino Unleashes Explosive Defense of USMNT, Fires Back at Critics Before Japan Showdown
With each match that passes, the U.S. men's national team and head coach Mauricio Pochettino face mounting questions rather than finding clarity.
The USMNT suffered a defeat to South Korea during the weekend in their opening September international friendly against Asian competition. This loss marked the sixth setback of the year for the Stars and Stripes.
Supporters were surprised when key defender Chris Richards was benched for the South Korea match, with Tristan Blackmon getting the start instead. Pochettino explained before kickoff that Richards was dealing with a small injury, though the player did feature in the second half.
Before the USMNT's Tuesday evening clash with Japan, Pochettino faced questions about his team selection versus South Korea, particularly regarding Richards's absence from the starting lineup. The Argentine coach used this opportunity to respond to critics of his tactical decisions.
"Sometimes people create unnecessary debates and speak without logic," Pochettino stated. "This national team, this nation has already secured World Cup qualification, and obviously the key thing is applying good judgment.
"If some people want to discuss nonsense, they're free to do so. We must prioritize how he [Richards] is feeling. Otherwise... it's a friendly match, we take unnecessary risks and potentially create major issues because we want him to play, I believe the same critics questioning why he's not playing would ask why we played him?
"We have a strategy. We understand our approach. We possess experience. The crucial aspect is giving players the opportunity to reach the World Cup in optimal form," Pochettino continued.
The Argentine coach provided similar logic when discussing why he didn't select Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman, who sustained a preseason injury and only returned to play the week prior to the September USMNT gathering. However, Pochettino wasn't finished addressing recent critics of the USMNT.
"Sometimes people prefer to focus solely on results and maintain negativity. I believe that's unfortunate. We should stay positive, because we must unite, as the nation deserves us to stand together on the same side.
"Constructive criticism is acceptable, because I welcome critics when they make valid points. But criticism for the sake of criticism doesn't hurt me, it harms your nation and your players. We all need to support them to give them the best foundation for success."
Pochettino has managed 17 games with the USMNT, securing 10 victories and suffering seven defeats. Nevertheless, he maintains that next summer's World Cup performances will define his tenure.
"The key objective is reaching the World Cup in excellent shape and winning the opening match, the second match, the third match, advancing to the knockout stage... I will succeed. Certainly nobody will recall this media session if we achieve that."