Coach Pochettino Sets Clear Expectations
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino has stressed a strict focus for the national team as they prepare for the Concacaf Gold Cup. Following a disappointing performance in the Nations League earlier this year, Pochettino outlined his expectations during a recent Zoom press conference. He made it unmistakably clear that arriving at camp means dedicating every moment to on-field preparation rather than attending to personal matters. The coach firmly ruled out any off-field distractions such as golf outings, dining experiences, or casual family visits during this critical period.
In his remarks, Pochettino conveyed a firm message regarding the behavior expected from each player. When asked whether the camp environment might support leisure activities, he offered a resolute refusal, stressing that personal interests must always take a secondary role to the team’s competitive objectives. Every player is expected to devote their full energy and concentration to the structured training sessions designed to improve the collective performance.
Alongside these comments, details of the newly announced roster for upcoming international competitions were revealed. Pochettino introduced a 27-man squad intended to lay the right groundwork ahead of the Gold Cup and subsequent stages of World Cup preparations. Decisions about player selection were made with careful thought for both the overall squad and the long-term welfare of individual members. One notable decision concerned Christian Pulisic, whose representatives and advisers raised concerns over his extensive match schedule over the past couple of years. National team official Matt Crocker explained that these match commitments played a role in opting to leave him off the latest roster, a choice the coach backed as beneficial to both Pulisic and the team’s future.
Taking charge after the departure of Gregg Berhalter following last summer’s Copa América exit, Pochettino now confronts a demanding timetable. With the Gold Cup on the horizon and only a few available training sessions set aside on FIFA dates before World Cup preparations must begin in full force, he intends to implement a revised strategy informed by recent setbacks. Earlier in the year, the team fell to defeats against Panama and Canada, an outcome that served as a lesson and motivated the coach to refine his approach in upcoming sessions.
Some players are making their return following extended recovery periods. Outside back Sergiño Dest reenters the lineup after recovering from a severe knee injury, and forward Folarin Balogun is back in action following shoulder surgery. Their comebacks bring added experience to a group that is equally embracing emerging young talent. Among the newcomers is 20-year-old right back Alex Freeman, son of former NFL standout Antonio Freeman, who made his MLS debut with Orlando City SC in April 2023 and has since gained more match time. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, a second-generation national team player with a coaching heritage, joined the roster along with forward Damion Downs and defender Quinn Sullivan, the older sibling of Philadelphia Union’s promising young star Cavan Sullivan. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who has attended previous camps without earning match time, has been selected to complete the 27-man list.
Players will report for training in Chicago on June 1, with the final 26-player roster set by June 4. The team will face Turkey, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in the coming weeks.
