Pochettino's Emotional Farewell: "You Deserved More" as USMNT Falls Short in Gold Cup Heartbreak
Mauricio Pochettino's composed expression and contemplative gaze might not reveal much emotion while coaching from the touchline with the U.S. men's national team, but this shouldn't be mistaken for indifference.
Following the USMNT's defeat as Mexico claimed their 10th Concacaf Gold Cup title in June, the Argentine coach delivered a heartfelt address to his squad in the dressing room. As many players sat with heads bowed, Pochettino's eyes filled with tears while speaking to the team, presumably before facing the waiting media.
"You earned better. Given how hard you worked, the coaching staff, everyone involved, I believe today we earned the right to hoist that trophy because the quality of play was evident," Pochettino addressed the disheartened players and staff in remarks recently revealed through a U.S. Soccer video. "I believe you battled against numerous challenges and countless obstacles working against you...this setback won't destroy us, it will forge us into something stronger, and I want you to never surrender.
"I believe we still have opportunities to improve, so continue developing, but please maintain your character. This is how we can progress toward the next challenge, and the next, and beyond, until we reach the World Cup."
With various staff members and U.S. Soccer officials present, these scenes provide rare glimpse into how deeply the tournament and championship match defeat affected the USMNT as they prepare for the co-hosted 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite missing crucial star talents like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, among others, the chance to progress through group play and elimination rounds while maintaining squad cohesion for over a month proved extremely valuable.
Although several Gold Cup squad members likely won't secure spots on the final World Cup roster, the tournament and preparatory matches provided a chance to rebuild the culture around international competition for the USMNT.
"I believe we all recognize our ability to compete and achieve victory. We came so close and people began to understand, as Mexico acknowledged 'well played, the way you performed and how formidable the team has become, and how challenging you are to face," Pochettino continued in his address.
"This hurts deeply, but I believe we must hold our heads high because you gave everything. I feel immense pride, and I believe everyone watching will share that sentiment...I hope we can preserve this spirit, this desire to collaborate and commit to the team."
While his compassionate and tender approach with the players and staff created special significance around the tournament, following the Americans' journey to the final after a disappointing fourth-place showing at the Concacaf Nations League, Pochettino shifted his demeanor when addressing journalists.
Change of Tone at Press Conference
Before reporters, Pochettino criticized the match referees, especially regarding the handball incident with Jorge Sánchez, whose hand contacted the ball without a call, despite vigorous protests from USMNT players and coaching staff.
Furthermore, he voiced his displeasure that Mexico's 77th-minute decisive goal from Edson Álvarez was permitted to count, after initially being flagged for offside.
"I won't shed tears," Pochettino stated during the media session. "I wanted to speak honestly, and honestly, if that incident occurred in the opposite penalty area, it would certainly be a spot kick. The player had his knee down. He pressed his hand onto the ball. It wasn't a case of the hand being on the ground with the ball making contact.
"Fine, these are explanations now, but you understand that was a penalty and possibly 2-1 in our favor, and perhaps we would now be celebrating the championship. I believe it's obvious and this isn't about weeping, it's not about protesting. For me, witnessing that situation was shameful, and it's unfortunate."
However, all the discussion surrounding the Gold Cup is gradually receding into the background, as players focus on upcoming European seasons and the ongoing MLS schedule. For Pochettino, attention turns to September and October friendlies against South Korea, Japan, Colombia and Ecuador, as he continues developing the USMNT toward next summer's World Cup.
"This is the nature of this sport, it's merciless, because we were so near and you almost grasped it before it vanished," he told the players. "That's why when we challenge you... It's because, deep down, we always demand more. If we push you, it's because your objective is to achieve greatness."