Everything seemed to come together for a perfect evening at the head of the American selection. The United States had just crushed Uruguay (5-1), signing their biggest success against a non-CONCACAF opponent in more than a decade. We logically expected to see a Mauricio Pochettino all smiles, savoring this third consecutive victory and the rise in power of his group. However, the atmosphere turned sour in a split second. The Argentine technician, usually so measured, was taken by surprise by a remark on his workforce management which made him come off his hinges in a spectacular way.
Pochettino: “I am the coach, not the concierge! »
The fuse was lit by a question about the absence of “regular players” in his starting lineup. Annoyed that his choices were being questioned after such an offensive festival, Pochettino let go:
“Maybe we should stop the conference, I’ll go out and we’ll start again.” Looks like we lost 5-1! »
Before throwing out this already cult phrase: “I’m the USA coach, not the janitor! Tell me which regular player we are talking about? “. He did not digest the insinuation that he was sailing by sight, reminding dryly that he is paid to make choices and wear the badge, regardless of the names on the match sheet.
This volcanic eruption hides a more complex reality. Since taking office 14 months ago, the former PSG coach has used no less than 71 different players. An assumed instability to prepare for the 2026 World Cup at home, but often dictated by injuries and poor form. Pochettino believes that the collective takes precedence over individuals and that this victory proves that his method works, even with nine changes made compared to the previous match against Paraguay. For him, talking about indisputable holders is a false debate which lacks respect for those who have just shone on the field.
Parisian phlegm has disappeared
The journalist tried to rephrase it by talking about players “ more experienced”,
but the damage was done. Pochettino cut it short, saying to himself
” fatigue “ And ” disappointed “ by the level of the first questions as his team finally begins to connect. “If I were a player, I would be disappointed to hear that”he retorted. A strong clarification which shows that the honeymoon with the American media is perhaps over and that demands are increasing as the world deadline approaches.
It’s quite ironic to see “Poch” lose his temper over management issues. During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, we experienced his Olympian calm, almost soporific, withstanding incessant criticism about the background of the game or the management of the stars without ever raising his voice. You have to believe that a stay in Uncle Sam’s country is more stressful than the bench at the Parc des Princes. Or maybe the approach of a World Cup at home forces him to bare his fangs more often than usual.
