Looks like someone went back in time and dared to move a stone! It must be, because why else would we now see ardent fans turning their backs on Mauricio Pochettino, considering the full house was in the backing of the Argentinian manager? While the recent October window may be partly to blame, Brad Friedel has come in defense of the USMNT manager, insisting ‘there’s nothing complicated about playing’ under Poch.

Of course, the former American goalkeeper would know, considering he has had the opportunity to work under the Argentine during his Tottenham days. Knowing that the recent defeat to Mexico has seen supporters leaving Pochettino in the lurch, Friedel was generous enough to fervently step in and rebuild a strong case for the new USMNT boss.

“The only people that won’t fully get on board with are people that don’t work hard,” began Freidel while speaking to ESPN. “I don’t mean you have to, like, run around like a crazy man. Just approach your [job] in a professional manner. It really is pretty simple stuff. There’s nothing complicated about playing for Mauricio. He’s a really fun guy to play your football for,” concluded the current advisor of management at Besiktas.

It’s that simple. Not just fans, but mostly players should understand that there’s no rocket science involved when it comes to playing under Pochettino. In the 52-year-old’s defense, this is actually the case for almost all the managers. With less pressure and more joy, players can find the best results if they decide to maintain discipline when needed.  

A man like Mauricio Pochettino may be hard to impress, but if successful, there are no depths that the guy won’t go to defend you. This is actually a cheat code for all the Stars and Stripes players who get the opportunity to work under the former Chelsea boss. Rest assured, one can expect a decent outcome from the group but patience looks to be the key.

Mauricio Pochettino seeks ‘time’ to be successful with the USMNT

To hit the panic button just after the second game, which ended in a defeat even though the first one was successful, can be considered natural. However, Mauricio Pochettino was quick to neutralize the situation. “Give me time. Only 10 days and a few training sessions. There’s a need to assess the players, to get familiar with them, and to create a strong base. After that we will have a much clearer assessment of what this side is capable of,” he said following the defeat against Mexico.

Time is crucial for the USMNT, especially with the World Cup fast approaching as they take on the role of the host nation. Even though only a handful of international windows are left to prepare under the 52-year-old, Pochettino remains confident that everything will come together. It’s all about trust, belief, and patience.