Christian Pulisic Uncovers USMNT’s Big Shift Under Mauricio Pochettino- “Feels Like He’s Been the Coach for a While”

Admit it—there has been a noticeable change in the US Men’s National Team since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino. While three wins and a single defeat might not be enough to fully convince skeptics, the fresh wave of optimism and the invigorating atmosphere the Argentinian tactician has brought is unprecedented. In fact, for Christian Pulisic, even though he hasn’t ‘got to spend a whole lot of time’ with Pochettino, the skipper already feels as if the manager has been around for much longer.

New manager, new rules, new methods—in three months, Pochettino has done twice what one could expect. Then again, there remains scope for improvement; after all, as a host nation in the 2026 World Cup, expectation is merely a small word to describe what they are required to do. Luckily, this is something that the manager himself has been stressing a lot lately with the players.

“He has a very demanding style,” began Pulisic during his exclusive chat with The Athletic. “He wants us to play an attacking style, where we have the ball, create chances, be very dynamic and also work extremely hard. As soon as we lose it, to win it back and definitely a more higher-up pressing style.”

One thing about Pochettino that everyone should know is that he is indeed a demanding coach and is hard to impress. But if things eventually work out and are done according to the 52-year-old’s way, then it is indeed, a win-win situation. But it seems Poch has already made himself at home, as it doesn’t feel to Pulisic like he was hired just a few months ago.

“It’s crazy to say it feels like he’s been the coach for a while and I haven’t got to spend a whole lot of time with him. But it has been a good start so far,” concluded the AC Milan forward, admitting how clear his vision is now since the arrival of the former Chelsea man.

Sounds like Mauricio was exactly the guy the USMNT needed. Well, if such has been the case within 3 months, we wonder what would happen in the remaining 18 months until the 2026 World Cup. Speaking of which, hear what Pulisic’s fellow national teammate has to say about the ongoing preparations for the big gig.

Mauricio Pochettino is preparing Christian Pulisic and Co. for an ‘unbelievable achievement’

Earlier, Antonee Robinson expressed how hopeful he is for the US to host one of the best World Cups on their home soil. Likewise, he is eager to make a meaningful impact on his team, hoping his fellow mates also give their best. Building on his aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he stated, “The ultimate goal is to win the World Cup on home soil; that would be an unbelievable achievement.”

Such a bold declaration is a testament to the self-confidence the USMNT players have developed, largely credited to one influential figure: Mauricio Pochettino. “With the new manager coming in as well, he’s really trying to get the message across. We’ve got a good team, we need to be confident in ourselves and he wants us to feel like winners… He just wants us to have that sort of winning mentality,” added Robinson.

So it’s safe to say that the USMNT is in good hands. Rest assured, time will tell if Mauricio Pochettino has done a good job for the USMNT or not.