Poch Picks Berhalter's Boys
Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, has chosen to maintain stability in his first squad selection, retaining the core group of players from the previous regime.
Mauricio Pochettino, recently appointed head coach of the United States Men's National Team (USMNT), has opted for a measured approach in his initial squad selection. Rather than implementing wholesale changes, Pochettino has chosen to retain the core group of players utilized by his predecessors, Gregg Berhalter and interim coach Mikey Varas, for this month's international friendlies.
This decision comes as the USMNT seeks to rebound from a challenging period, having secured victory in just one of their last seven matches. The team's recent struggles include a disappointing early exit from the Concacaf Gold Cup, where they were defeated by Panama in the quarterfinals.
Pochettino's first squad announcement saw the return of goalkeeper Zack Steffen and midfielder Gianluca Busio, signaling a potential shift in personnel while maintaining a sense of continuity. The coach emphasized his confidence in the existing player pool, stating, "Every single player that is going to be on the squad deserves the opportunity to be with us."
Despite limited in-person interaction with the players due to recently obtaining his U.S. work visa, Pochettino has been diligently analyzing the team's performance. "We have been working from distance with all the analysis. We worked on Zoom, contact by phone and of course watching games," he explained.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada, Pochettino aims to instill a more robust defensive structure. He has identified two potential formations, a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, as the foundation for his tactical approach. "We need to create a very good way to play, exciting way to play, but when we don't have the ball, we need to defend, and we need to be strong," Pochettino said.
"We really trust the opinion and all the information that we received from the national team and that's why you are going to see a very similar roster from last camp, for different reasons. Also because some players that are injured, reinjured and circumstances that maybe we cannot call another player," he said.
"But every single player that is going to be on the squad deserves the opportunity to be with us."
Pochettino added that he was already looking at other options for the future.
"(There are some) very good players, that I think have the potential, and maybe are not now in the in the roster, but for sure they're going to be in the roster in the future," he said.
Does Pochettino's emphasis on defensive solidity, coupled with his proven track record of success at the highest levels of club football, provide a sense of optimism for the future of the USMNT?
Goalkeepers
Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/WAL)
Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids)
Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG)
Defenders
Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL)
Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA)
Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA)
Tim Ream (Charlotte)
Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG)
Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/GER)
Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO)
Midfielders
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG)
Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA)
Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP)
Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA)
Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG)
Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA)
Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED)
Forwards
Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA)
Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED)
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA)
Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG)
Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA)
Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG)
Fans of the Day
Borussia Dortmund supporters on the new Champions League format:
Finbarr Saunders of the Day
Man Management of the Day
Bill Shankly on Tommy Smith after the 1974 FA Cup Final against Newcastle that Liverpool won 3-0.
Stadium of the Day
We’re sure The Friedkin Group have budgeted for a roof at Everton’s new stadium:
Messi of the Day
There’s no need to blow, ref….
Stat(s) of the Day
Erm…
Only Mick Quinn has been clocked faster - in his head, of course…
Bayern Munich are unbeaten in 41 Champions League group/league phase matches (W37, D4), the longest unbeaten run in Champions League history.
Pass of the Day
Erik ten Hag under absolutely no pressure whatsoever…
Stadium Announcement of the Day
Two minutes of injury time left, 3-1 down, and your train gets cancelled with the next one at 5am.
Quote of the Day
“I saw him at the academy and I didn’t think he would be that good, I’ll be honest with you. But when you work, you have that work ethic… he makes the job easier for everyone.“ - Thierry Henry, on Bukayo Saka.
Thanks for reading The Daily Soccer! Subscribe for free…