INGLEWOOD, Calif. – U.S. men`s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed that Thursday`s 1-0 defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal did not accurately reflect the team`s true identity and capabilities, including those of star player Christian Pulisic.
The USMNT, who have won the CNL three times, lost the match following a first half that Pochettino described as `painful` to watch. He felt it didn`t showcase the team`s potential, despite them dominating possession and taking 12 shots. However, these efforts only resulted in 0.68 expected goals against a defensively focused Panama team. Pulisic`s performance was particularly subdued, with just one shot during the game. While Pochettino was critical of Pulisic`s showing, he remains confident in the team`s key player.
`It’s not an excuse, but a player like him has been under significant pressure recently,` Pochettino commented on Saturday before the USMNT`s third-place game against Canada. `This is certainly not the Christian we know he can be, as I believe he`s capable of much more. … Sometimes these competitions come at opportune moments for players, and sometimes they don`t, which can impact team performance. But, without a doubt, as we focus on our main objective, the World Cup, Christian will be prepared and at his best for us.`
Pochettino also clarified that the Panama game was not indicative of the style he aims to implement with the team under his leadership.
`I think we expect more from everyone, from all the players. Our expectations are very high,` he stated. `One thing I want to emphasize, as we discussed yesterday, is that one game doesn`t define who we are as a team, as individual players, as coaches, or as the U.S.A. national team. These things can happen for various reasons, and we need to improve.`
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The head coach also pointed to a lack of team cohesion as a factor in Thursday`s performance, stemming from fielding a somewhat new lineup partly due to injuries. Yunus Musah and Timothy Weah were deployed as wingbacks at times, positions they are less accustomed to with the national team. Tanner Tessman also received a rare start in midfield alongside Tyler Adams. Additionally, Josh Sargent led the attack in the absence of Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, who have generally been preferred over him recently.
`I didn`t see that chemistry,` Pochettino admitted. `That`s what concerned me, and perhaps it was my mistake. Now we need to consider different player selections and see if things change.`
Pochettino hinted at lineup changes for Sunday`s match against Canada, suggesting rotation was considered even before the Panama semifinal. Canada will present a different tactical challenge compared to Panama, who largely played defensively and only managed their first shot on target in the 94th minute when Cecilio Waterman scored.
The Argentine coach acknowledged the performance against Panama was flawed but noted some positive aspects.
`Certainly, we deserved to win against Panama,` he said. `Analyzing the 94, 95 minutes, they score with their only shot on target and defeat us, but that`s football. That`s soccer, and we have to accept it and be critical because to reach this point, if you concede one goal and don`t score two, you should win the game earlier. The issue was our lack of scoring. I believe the discipline was there. The game plan, I think they followed it. They tried everything. I can`t fault their effort – they tried. They ran, they put in the work, but ultimately, it`s about being aggressive and competitive.`
Pochettino has been focusing on building the team`s competitive spirit in his early months, a crucial area given how a lack of intensity, especially in the first half, contributed to the loss against Panama. Whether they will respond effectively against Canada remains to be seen.
`It`s a question mark,` Pochettino said. `What we want to see is consistent focus, concentration, and mental strength in every competition, whether official or friendly. For me, tomorrow`s game is crucial to observe our reaction. We need to demonstrate character. … It`s not just about the result, but about improving our overall performance.`
