Expectations are high now that Mauricio Pochettino is becoming the USMNT manager. Beyond delivering the results, the Argentinian tactician’s initial task would be to help the American boys get back on track. With the bitter memory of the Copa America disappointment still fresh among players, star defender Antonee Robinson has urged Pochettino to focus on making an ‘elite’ team to avoid such failures.

Of course, the former Chelsea boss himself faces the challenge of making a smooth transition from domestic to international soccer. That may not seem easy at first according to Robinson, however, Poch may get used to it soon. After all, that’s the only choice the 52-year-old manager has, considering the boys are coming off an unsuccessful tournament.

“Realistically, we’ve completed CONCACAF [Nations League and a Gold Cup]. Now it’s going to the next level and making ourselves established as an elite team,” urged Robinson, in the latest episode of the Men in Blazers podcast. “We’ve [the team] got to embrace new ideas. We’ve got to have someone to come in and crack the whip a bit and make sure that he’s [Pochettino] getting the best out of us and that it’s a real competitive environment because boys look forward to going back to the US.”

The Fulham defender acknowledged that all players like to go back to their homes not just to catch up with their families but also to fulfill the excitement of reuniting with teammates with a common goal; win games. “It’s just trying to make sure you keep that balance. We want it to still be enjoyable. You want the boys to want to look forward to going into camp but you also want it to be for that reason and the right reasons to showcase that we’re an elite team,” concluded Robinson.

Of course, beyond winning games, Pochettino shall create an environment that sees the American boys enjoy themselves more. That shall prove to be a daunting task, considering the team has been down in the dumps over their summer performances. In fact, there seems to be somewhat of a ‘healthy anxiety’ within the players.

Here’s what the USMNT stars feel about working with Mauricio Pochettino!

According to USMNT insider Doug McIntyre, the excitement to work alongside Mauricio Pochettino is palpable within the players. Speaking in the Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast, the journalist revealed, “I think they’re excited. There’s probably a level of anxiety, healthy anxiety, to have a clean slate. Anyone that was comfortable in their position—that goes out of the window.”

McIntyre emphasized that every player will need to start with a clean slate and prove their worth to earn a spot on the team, while also building a personal rapport with the former Tottenham coach. With experience coaching stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Harry Kane, and leading top clubs such as PSG, Tottenham, and Chelsea, the entire team is well aware of the 52-year-old’s impressive resume.

More recently, US Men’s National Team captain Christian Pulisic also sent a message to the former Southampton man. “It’s good news. I think it’s time for a change, time for us to take another step and really improve as a team,” said the AC Milan forward. The former Chelsea star also urged to turn the page from the recent Copa America upset.

In short, the excitement remains within the USMNT to get a clean slate under Mauricio Pochettino. Let’s see how the revered manager is able to turn things around.