Three fireworks emoji—that’s how Taylor Twellman reacted to the official announcement of Mauricio Pochettino as the manager of the US Men’s National Team on social media. Somewhere, it hinted that the nation’s icon was also thrilled with the arrival of the Argentinian tactician. However, fast forward to today, Twellman seems to have changed his views.

To be precise, the former American forward is now disappointed over the former Tottenham Hotspur manager’s arrival. “My question would be why now and not after the ‘22 World Cup?” said Twellman during an exclusive chat with the Mirror Sports U.S., questioning that the US Soccer wasted almost 2 years to first sack Gregg Berhalter, only to bring him back and again sack him.

“I understand that they wanted to look into things, but now looking at the funds and raising the funds and then waiting for Copa America and that struggle, I’ve always been on the record. I think back-to-back tenures for national team coaches are not ideal because you can get complacent with the same messenger, the same message,” added Twellman.

Twellman believes that a coach should only be given a second tenure if they have a historic run like Bruce Arena did with the U.S. in 2002. However, he pointed out that Arena’s second stint didn’t go well, adding, “Look at the 2006 World Cup—that was not great, to be polite.” That only forces him to question whether it’s too late for the Stars and Stripes to begin their redemption journey under Poch.

“Pochettino’s got a short runway to get there. I think we will all be left with the question, what if he started a year or two sooner?” he said. It’s not like Twellman is suggesting that a coach of Pochettino’s caliber might have been a possibility. Instead, the pundit claims that perhaps the former Chelsea boss wouldn’t have committed unless offered a shorter runway.

Then again, some optimism remains within Twellman over Pochettino and Co. pulling something better in 2026. “But it is the right kind of hire, in my opinion, because someone that’s been there, done it, and is a different voice outside of the United States of America, I think, is very important for this group of players,” added the commentator.

Speaking of the tournament that the USMNT will be hosting in collaboration with Canada and Mexico, Twellman has another major warning for the American boys.

Being a host of the 2026 World Cup is a ‘disadvantage’ for the USWNT and Mauricio Pochettino

Of course, the States alongside its neighboring countries would be thrilled to get direct entry to compete for the Golden trophy. However, Taylor Twellman has highlighted how this can backfire on the host nation. “It should be an advantage, but sometimes it can be a disadvantage with so much pressure,” he admitted. “Sometimes being at home can be a detriment because there’s going to be a lot of pressure.”

On top of that, Twellman questioned whether this group of players truly deserves the “golden generation” label that’s been attached to them for so long. He acknowledged that Christian Pulisic is playing at his peak and Weston McKennie is also performing well, but he noted lingering uncertainties surrounding the team. Regardless, it remains to be seen whether Mauricio Pochettino and Co. can respond to Taylor Twellman with effective results.