Christian Pulisic believes that Mauricio Pochettino, the new head coach of the United States men’s soccer team, can ignite a much-needed change in mentality for the squad.
After a 1-1 draw with New Zealand on Tuesday, where Pulisic scored only to see New Zealand’s Ben Waine net a late equalizer, the AC Milan winger expressed his optimism about Pochettino’s leadership.
Pochettino, a highly respected Argentine coach, took the reins after leaving Premier League club Chelsea in May. His mission? To prepare the U.S. squad for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
“The results haven’t been there, but I think Pochettino brings a winning mentality,” Pulisic said post-match. “He’s going to push us to fight hard in every game, take more risks, and regain our competitive edge.”
The U.S. team has been without a permanent head coach since Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal in July following an early Copa America exit. The disappointing performance highlighted the need for change, with fans and analysts calling for a stronger mentality and a more aggressive approach.
Pulisic believes that Pochettino is the right man to bring about this shift. “We’ve got the talent. Now, it’s about building a culture of fearlessness. I’m confident Pochettino will drive that change.”
Pochettino, who has also managed Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, emphasized that his decision to take on the role wasn’t just about the game but about the broader journey of U.S. soccer. “This project excites me beyond football,” he said. “The potential here is immense, and I couldn’t resist taking on this challenge.”
The U.S. team’s next big tests will come in October with friendlies against Panama on the 12th and Mexico on the 15th, as the squad builds toward the future.
